Goodluck Jonathan: Envisioning a better Nigeria.
Acting President Goodluck Jonathan has reiterated his commitment to good governance in Nigeria indicating the nation had long been terribly infected with the wicked virus of backwardness and underdevelopment.
The Acting President apparently had no illusion that his tenure had faced an uphill task in turning the fortune of the nation around.
According Jonathan, “As a nation, we are challenged. Over the periods, we have failed to do what we should have done and we have done those things we should not have done.
Jonathan made the call in Abuja at the commemoration of the completion of Archbishop Peter Akinola’s Decade of Primacy and the presentation of Reverend Nicholas Okoh as the fourth Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).
During the service at the Cathedral of the Advent, Life Camp, Abuja, Jonathan reiterated government’s commitment to transform the country into the dream of past heroes who had envisioned a great and virile nation.
He noted that the social, political, religious and economic crises in the country were as a result of long time inaction, neglect and the lack of political will by the past leaders.
Jonathan admonished the church to pray for the progress of the country and to preach against crimes and other vices.
“We know our problems. We want religious leaders to join us in solving the problems. We promise to do our best and we are totally committed to transforming this country.”
Jonathan apparently was making a snappy reference to the state of the nation which had been reeling in the pain of under-development as a result of long neglect and the permeated corrupt practices in high places with the attending accumulation of ill-gotten wealth by government stakeholders who had sucked the nation dry at the expense of her development.
The Acting President revisited the maladies that had befallen the nation as a result of log neglect which had culminated in dilapidation of the nation’s social political and economic structure in the event of lack of patriotism by many past rulers who have ignored the nation’s progress.
Jonathan reiterated his determination to turn things round for our dear nation
Archbishop Peter Akinola
He commended Akinola for his positive contributions to the development of the country and Christianity in his 10-year-tenure as primate.
The acting president also expressed optimism that his successor, Okoh, would be capable of stepping into Akinola’s shoes.
“When I was coming here, I pondered whether Okoh, because of his gentle look, will be able to step into Akinola’s shoes but when I listened to him, I bowed,” Jonathan said.
Earlier in his sermon, which touched on religious, social, political, economic and infrastructure issues, Okoh set an agenda on the direction of his leadership.
Okoh said the spread of the gospel by preaching, education for church leadership and making disciples through teaching would be his central focus.
He restated the position of the Nigerian Anglican Communion against homosexuality and same sex marriage.
On national issues, the new Archbishop charged the government to pursue the Amnesty programme to its logical conclusion.
He urged the government to channel the resources of the country towards improving the lot of Nigerians.
“Oil is God’s property, abuse of oil revenue is a sin against God and the people of Nigeria.”
Okoh also admonished the government to take the issue of power and security very seriously, noting that without stable power and adequate security, the economy would not grow.
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You’ve got your position over much better than I ever could, thank you!
WORLD AFRICAN CONGRESS, WAFCO congratulates President Goodluck Jonathan on becoming the 14th President of Nigeria. It is a very difficult job to govern Nigeria. We pray for you that God and the Universe shall shower you with blessing, wisdom and light to be able to do this job and succeed. May God also protect and give you good health, long life and happiness. We’re proud of you. Stay strong. CHAIRMAN IKOKWU BENNEY, WAFCO, NEW YORK CITY