ABUJA, Federal Republic of Nigeria. Perhaps with an eye on the Nobel Peace Prize in the immediate future, President Goodluck Jonathan, whose five years tenure in the saddle of Nigerian presidency has been characterised by insecurity, occasioned mainly by the Boko Haram insurgency, has stated that he will dedicate his post public life to preaching peace.
Having seen the good and the ugly sides of life in Nigeria, President Jonathan’s choice of a quiet post-public life dedicated to preaching peace might not be unconnected with the heightened pre-election tension that suddenly melted into oblivion after accepting the outcome of the April Presidential election.
Also connected with this, according to observers, might be the ugly and wanton destruction of lives and properties recorded in the senseless rise against the state of Nigeria by the Boko Haram sect in North-east part of the country and other parts of African continent where many have lost their lives in crises.
Respecting the President’s choice of life, Nigerians, and perhaps the rest of the world by extension, will probably judge Jonathan’s qualification and ability in the areas of veracity, clarity, authority and authenticity as some of the indispensable qualities of a good preacher of peace.
Apparently satisfied that he fits into all of these qualities, President Jonathan on Friday disclosed that he would devote his time after leaving Aso Rock Villa to the preaching and propagating of peace in the country and among Nigerians, irrespective of tribe and religious faith.
Unfolding his post-presidency plans as he was conferred with the “2015 Epitome of Peace Award in Nigerian Polity and Politics” by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Field Superintendent of the Apostolic Church of Nigeria, Apostle John Akai Buzu, at the Presidential Villa, Jonathan expressed his appreciation to the Apostolic Church for the recognition which to him meant a call to do even more towards ensuring peace in the country.
Appreciating that many others had contributed immensely to Nigeria’s peace and yet remained unsung he said, “you have noticed me with my little contribution, not just because I am the President of the country but because of an action I took that you believe saved lives and you are honouring me.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. For you to honour me today, you have given me another mandate to work harder to ensure that we, as Nigerians continue to live in peace.
“One thing I have decided I will do after leaving office is to be talking to faithful of all religions – Christians, Muslims and other religions, on the need for Nigerians to live in peace.”
Speaking on the negative impact of crisis on the lives of the people in any part of the world, he said, “Nobody can practice his own religion if there is crisis anywhere, people cannot go to the mosque or go to the church.
“We need peace in this country, no matter our religious persuasion or belief. That will be one of my main commitments when I leave office – to reduce discrimination in this country based on religious divides or ethnicity.
“I believe I will have so many apostles that will follow me to do that.”
In his remarks, Field Superintendent of the Apostolic Church, Buzu, said the award was in recognition of Jonathan’s outstanding leadership qualities, great strides, contributions and laudable achievements as President of Nigeria.
He stressed that the President had distinguished himself as a selfless servant leader with a large heart and a great sense of commitment towards the wellbeing, development, unity and progress of the nation.
Buzu stressed that Jonathan’s character of peace and abhorrence of violence was demonstrated by his readiness to accept the result of the last presidential election and to relinquish power to his opponent.
Credit: Daily Independent (Nigeria)
