President Goodluck Jonathan on
Thursday re-echoed his earlier advice to
politicians to avoid sowing the seed of
discord and hatred through their
utterances ahead of the 2015 general
elections.
He also reminded opposition politicians
that Nigeria does not belong to anyone
and cannot be considered anybody’s
personal estate.
Speaking at a special Christmas service
at St. Mathew’s Anglican Church in
Maitama, Abuja, the president reminded
politicians of the need to base their
campaigns strictly on developmental
issues and nothing more.
The president said he was always
embarrassed by divisive utterances
made by some politicians, noting that
those involved in such do not mean well
for the country.
“As a politician, you want people to elect
you to perform your responsibilities. If
you mean well for the country, you
wouldn’t be fanning the embers of
discord and hatred.
“Nigeria is nobody’s personal estate, but
you want to serve. If the people want
you to serve, you serve. But if they say
no, then leave.
“So, I get embarrassed when we the
politicians make provocative statements,
statements that create division among
Nigerians and that can set this country
ablaze,” he said.
He said further, “I don’t think that is
what a leader should do; it is not the
kind of seed a leader should sow
“Those who take government by violence
hardly end well; examples abound in
some African countries.
“So, if a politician is interested in power
at any level, you don’t sow seed of
discord and enmity because it will
consume you if you try to.”
Mr. Jonathan thanked religious leaders
and followers for their continued
prayers for peace and unity for the
country especially during this period.
He said the challenges facing the country
could have been worse without their
prayers.
While describing the security and
economic challenges facing the country
as temporary, the president assured that
“God will surely see the nation through
them.”
He urged Christians to continue to
imbibe the virtues of peace, love,
selflessness and tolerance which Christ
epitomise.
The president was accompanied by the
First Lady, Patience Jonathan; his
mother, Eunice, and members of the
Federal Executive Council.
The service, which was presided over by
the Primate of the Anglican Church,
Nicholas Okoh, was also attended by
some past government officials including
a former Minister of information, Jerry
Gana.
The first lady read the first lesson drawn
from Isaiah 9: 2, 6 and 7, while the
president took the second reading from
Hebrews 1:1 to12.
In a sermon titled “The Jewish Messianic
Expectations and 2015 Elections”, Mr.
Okoh cautioned that the 2015 election
would be a critical period in the
country.
He reminded political office seekers at
all levels that Nigerians have
expectations, which border on peace,
freedom, security and general
prosperity.
He, therefore, urged both serving and
incoming leaders at all levels and arms
of government, to be guided by the
peoples’ expectations in their decisions.
The clergy man also advised Nigerians to
base their voting decisions on common
good of all, noting that if they elect
people that don’t care, their conditions
would be worsened.
On the security challenges facing the
country, Mr. Okoh emphasised the need
for Nigerians to pray and work together
to put “an end to the reproach”.
“We need to stop viewing security issues
as politics. It is everyone’s duty to join
in the fight against terrorism and rescue
our nation,” he said.
The cleric also cautioned vandals of
power installations and other national
economic saboteurs to desist or face the
wrath of God and that of the people.
(NAN)

We know that sir, that is why you and your stealing is not corruption team will vacate Asorock come 2015.
#GMB 2015.