President Goodluck Jonathan again on Wednesday hit out at former President Olusegun Obasanjo over an  18-page letter  in which  he  accused  him  of deceit, deception, dishonesty, incompetence and clannishness.

He had on Sunday  described the  letter  as full of lies.

The President revisited the issue during a Christmas Day service held at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, Life Camp, Gwarinpa, Abuja.

Though he did not mention the name of the former President specifically, Jonathan regretted that some politicians who thought the country belonged  to them had started thinking about the next election.

In the process, he said,   such politicians had   started doing what they ought not to do, including writing letters.

He said contrary to what they thought, the country did not belong to any politician or group of politicians.

Rather, he said Nigeria  belonged to statesmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, men, women and youths.

Jonathan said, “We politicians that think we own this country and  are already  thinking  about next election; we are doing what we ought not to do;  making statement we ought not to make and writing letters we are  supposed not to write.

“This  country belongs to our statesmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, our men, our women, our youths.  Nigeria does not belong to any politician or group of politicians. So,  we will  continue to urge the clergymen  to pray for this country.”

Jonathan also spoke on  terrorism in parts of the country,  saying  Nigerians were lucky that the situation was  being brought under control.

Citing the example of Pakistan, Jonathan argued that naturally, countries infested with terrorism hardly survived  it.

While recalling past cases of bombing recorded in the Federal Capital Territory, he guessed that the Presidential Villa, Abuja could have been the next target.

“For those who know about terrorism, countries  that are infested with it  hardly get out of it. If you look at a country like Pakistan where we even  train some  of our soldiers,  there appears  to be no government in some parts of it. So the situation in this  country (Nigeria) could have been worse.

“In Abuja which is the seat of government,  even the police headquarters was bombed and the United Nations building was also bombed . Maybe the next target would have been the State House.

“So we have to thank God that we have been able to bring terrorism  to a reasonable level, though we are far from getting out of it. There are a lot of challenges but we have to thank God.”

While making reference to the sermon delivered by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most. Revd. Nicholas Okoh, Jonathan agreed that none of  Nigeria’s  neighbouring countries would be able to accommodate Nigerians  “if we  had a   crisis.”

He noted that currently, if not for political and diplomatic reasons, some Nigerians in neighbouring countries would have been asked to leave because their hosts are not too comfortable with their presence.

Jonathan  said, “The Primate was asking if Ghana or Sierra Leone could accommodate us  if we have a crisis.  I was just laughing because now ,  the people  of those countries are  not even comfortable with Nigerians living with them. If not  for political and diplomatic reasons, they would have even asked some of them to leave.

“Assuming we have crisis, where will you go? Is it the Atlantic Ocean? So I urge you to continue to pray.

“I also thank religious leaders  for  praying  for this country and I believe God has been hearing your prayers. We will do our best within the period that God has asked us to occupy the positions we are occupying.”

Jonathan also observed that in the world today, the expectations of the society  were  hardly met by leaders.

He said, “When Christ was born, the Jews were told that God was giving them a King and a  saviour.

“Today,  because we are used to reading the Bible, immediately you hear of the word ‘saviour,’  you will think about Christ and his  attributes.

“The Jews were being dominated by the Romans, it was like when we were under the colonial masters. The Jews thought they  were getting somebody who will lead them to a war and  chase  away  the Romans for them to be free. But the war they expected was not Christ’s  own style.

“I think it is only in one place that Christ was quoted as carrying the cane and flogging people in the synagogue  for  trading and doing other   things  they were  not  to do  in the House of God.

“So today, we have similar situation. The expectations of the society are hadly met by leaders.”

Earlier in his sermon, the Anglican Primate had urged Nigerians to ensure that peace reigned  in the country because Nigerians had  no where to seek refuge in crisis situation.

He urged them not to join evildoers to wreak havoc on the country because   most sponsors of violence have houses abroad.

He said, “As we celebrate Christmas, we call you to pray for peace not just for yourself or the nation but also for the world.

“We should pray for agents of war, bloodletting and hostilities. Let us pray that God will restrain the powers of evil.

“How  many Nigerians can Togo, Dahomey, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia absorb as refugees? It is important for Nigerians to ensure peace reigns here because we have nowhere to go. God has given us the best of places; it is in our interest to maintain it.

“I charge you to work for peace. We must be grateful to God by living responsibly, not conducting ourselves as if nothing can happen.

“Do not join anybody to cause trouble or confusion because you may be the recipient and there is no where to go. Some of you don’t even have passports. But those who are instigating you have bank accounts and houses abroad. They will run there and come back when things have settled down. You may not be alive then.

“Do not join evildoers, it is not part of Christmas. Refugees are not the best set of people. Don’t make yourself a refugee.”

The clergyman said there was no link between God and violence.

He observed that most economies  being  referred to  as rich and prosperous,  produced and sold weapons to kill and maim.

The service’s Old Testament lesson from Isaiah 9: 2, 6 and 7 was read by the wife of the President, Patience, while the President read the epistle from Hebrews 1: 1-12.

Special prayers were offered for the President and his family as well as the nation.
http://www.punchng.com/news/obasanjo-other-politicians-dont-own-nigeria-jonathan/

Though he did not mention the name of the former President specifically, Jonathan regretted that some politicians who thought the country belonged to them had started thinking about the next election.

NA OUR OYEL
Can't you see that the statement describes you .

a man full of wisdom,i respect u,d 1st b.sc holding nigeria president.....U TILL 2010

Hmmn,now Jona is talking

nsk 1st son: a man full of wisdom,i respect u,d 1st b.sc holding nigeria president.....U TILL 2010

Oh my God! What has having a B.Sc got to do with performance as a president?
There is nothing special about that joor

theshadyexpress:
“I charge you to work for peace. We must be grateful to God by living responsibly, not conducting ourselves as if nothing can happen.
“Do not join anybody to cause trouble or confusion because you may be the recipient and there is no where to go. Some of you don’t even have passports. But those who are instigating you have bank accounts and houses abroad. They will run there and come back when things have settled down. You may not be alive then.
“Do not join evildoers, it is not part of Christmas. Refugees are not the best set of people. Don’t make yourself a refugee.”

the above statements will disappoint many Igbos. The all have being glamouring for war. it nt some of them that doesn't hav passports but 98% of them( that is most of them). #Fresh air noni#

GEJ statement was made to shield people from joining hand with Buhari in his plot to soak baboon and monkey in blood. Nigeria doesnt belong to Obj,a serial letter writer who think he ca instigate people against govt using letters.
In the spirit of xmas,i say, Merry xmas to GEJ,OBJ and Buhari.

Do not join anybody to cause trouble or confusion because you may be the recipient and there is no where to go. Some of you don’t even have passports. But those who are instigating you have bank accounts and houses abroad. They will run there and come back when things have settled down. You may not be alive then.

Referring to the Junaid Muhammeds and the Asari Dokubos . . . .

The problem of President Jonathan is not just what he have done BUT more of what he is not doing - that is the crux of what OBJ is saying. He can keep on with his punchlines. Untill the day he stands up against corruption that is drowning him then we will take him seriously.

nsk 1st son: a man full of wisdom,i respect u,d 1st b.sc holding nigeria president .....U TILL 2010

If B.sc holders will continue to lead this country like our Oga GEJ, then I think NO B.sc holder should ever be made president.

I think GEJ should have attacked OBJ,though indirectly, on a Christmas day. He should have been subtle in his speech rather than reckless.

GEJ will always be GEJ! Clueless

Huh! your president? Anyway happy xmas to druken master

Gamji007:

If B.sc holders will continue to lead this country like our Oga GEJ, then I think NO B.sc holder should ever be made president.

I think GEJ should have attacked OBJ,though indirectly, on a Christmas day. He should have been subtle in his speech rather than reckless.

GEJ will always be GEJ! Clueless

Okay!

a very clever way of hitting at Baba,and the likes,i hope GEJ,and Baba survive the tsunami they have both created,cos i know Obj to be unforgiven,and GEJ refusing to be cowed by any real,or perceive persons..its getting interesting.truly Nigerian donot belong to anyone.

Only God knows how long we shall be a laughing stock because of this man. Imagine him say, "Nigeria belonged to statesmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, men, women and youths." So ordinary Nigerians are nobody in Nigeria.
Each time this man enters any church rather than focus on worshiping his creator, he begins to speak on politics that he knows only little about.

Orlando Owoh: Only God knows how long we shall be a laughing stock because of this man. Imagine him say, "Nigeria belonged to statesmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, men, women and youths." So ordinary Nigerians are nobody in Nigeria.
Each time this man enters any church rather than focus on worshiping his creator, he begins to speak on politics that he knows only little about.

And people call gej clueless when we have pple like this on NL? Who is the ordinary Nigerian?

Wise talk from mr. Presido. He should now concentrate on more visible developmental projects before he leaves office 2015. No man can do better given a 2nd regime.

mekaboy:

And people call gej clueless when we have pple like this on NL? Who is the ordinary Nigerian?

Rubbish!

Orlando Owoh: Only God knows how long we shall be a laughing stock because of this man. Imagine him say, "Nigeria belonged to statesmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, men, women and youths." So ordinary Nigerians are nobody in Nigeria.
Each time this man enters any church rather than focus on worshiping his creator, he begins to speak on politics that he knows only little about.

who are men, women and youths?
extraordinary citizens?

Why is my President troubled over a letter he dully replied to. Why bn persona-antagonist. Hmm or my Presi is guilty of something? He wrote, you wrote. Shikanah. No much talk.

Orlando Owoh: Only God knows how long we shall be a laughing stock because of this man. Imagine him say, "Nigeria belonged to statesmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, men, women and youths." So ordinary Nigerians are nobody in Nigeria.
Each time this man enters any church rather than focus on worshiping his creator, he begins to speak on politics that he knows only little about.

Haba! Seriously! Dude! Read ur statement again n modify, cos u sounding ridiculous. And dis tym u shuld kn dat Men, women and youth are d "Ordinary Nigerians" even the statesmen, Religious leaders and Traditional leaders. So which "Ordinary Nigerians" are u on about? D we have "Ordinary Nigerians" who aint Men, women and youth, abeg make I kn oh!

Hahahaha.
Orlando owoh is a proof that some people can be proud morøns.

Orlando Owoh: Only God knows how long we shall be a laughing stock because of this man. Imagine him say, "Nigeria belonged to statesmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, men, women and youths." So ordinary Nigerians are nobody in Nigeria.
Each time this man enters any church rather than focus on worshiping his creator, he begins to speak on politics that he knows only little about.

..its like u reason with ur hand mmmmh?? Hatred & narrowness in digesting lucid statements have beclouded ur sense of analysis, thus, making u to view with obtuse & comment with prejudice, to a simple statement...Without doubt, ur purpose of reading dat addr by GEJ is to find smthing that will giv u "a common ground to smear him".Havin found none & was disappointd, decided to quote a sentence dat was abstruse to u, in order to satisfy ur masturbational necessity!!!

Interesting some don't see to know the level of education of Mr President. Just for the record:

''Goodluck Jonathan holds a BSc degree in Zoology in which he attained Second Class Honours. He holds an MSc degree in Hydrobiology and Fisheries Biology, and a PhD degree in Zoology''

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goodluck_Jonathan

fiizznation: the above statements will disappoint many Igbos. The all have being glamouring for war. it nt some of them that doesn't hav passports but 98% of them( that is most of them). #Fresh air noni#

If feel his just using the opportunity to warn those egg head politicians/groups instigating power must change hand or chaos to stay clear else when it starts steaming even they the instigators won't be able to bear the reverse turn out of the heat against them.

Hmmmmm

The president said his mind.