The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the “warm reception and peace” that heralded President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit to insurgency-ravaged Borno State on Thursday as “symbolic and clear indication of his acceptability by people of the state”.

The ruling party made the remarks in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, Friday night.

Mr. Jonathan has been widely criticised over his handling of the Boko Haram insurgency in North East states with thousands killed and several towns lost.

However, his party, PDP, insists the President has displayed commitment to the on-going war against terrorism and has strengthened the military.

The party said: “The Thursday’s visit of President Goodluck Jonathan and the Service Chiefs to Maiduguri, Borno State further demonstrates his commitment to the on-going war against terrorism in the country.

“The warm reception accorded the president in Borno, and the peace that pervaded the visit is symbolic and clear indication of his acceptability by the people of the state.”

The President’s assurances to the military on their welfare and equipment have become a catalyst to the overall determination to win the war against insurgency, the PDP further stated.

It added that “In visiting the internally displaced persons in their camp, the President has gone further to show his abiding affinity with the people and commitment to bring succour and hope to the downtrodden.”

Commending Mr. Jonathan, who is standing for re-election next month, for “ensuring professionalism” in the military, the PDP said that “the armed forces have been rebuilt, reequipped and is being re-engineered to adequately confront the current terrorism challenges facing the country.”

The party therefore called on Nigerians to continue to support the President, as he remains “focused in ensuring the unity and stability of the nation.”