Jonathan To Amaechi: Who Told You That You Will Win…

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Says he's not desperate to serve

-Warns Politicians Against Provocative Utterances

President Goodluck Jonathan has cautioned politicians against making provocative statements, saying they are capable of tearing the nations apart.

Specifically, Jonathan referred to statements credited to the Rivers state governor and Director of the Buhari Campaign Organisation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, that the opposition will form a parallel government if the 2015 Presidential contest if lost to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under unfair and questionable electioneering.

But speaking at a special Christmas service at St. Mathew’s Anglican Church in Maitama, Abuja, Thursday, the president who admonished politicians to desist from such comments, said that he was always embarrassed by divisive utterances, wondering why Amaechi thinks they could win.

“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.

“I don’t think that is what a leader should do; it is not the kind of seed a leader should sow, Jonathan said, adding that

“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.”

“The challenges facing our nation could have been worse without your prayers,” he said, thanking religious leaders and followers for their continued prayers for peace and unity for the country especially during this period.

Jonathan assured that God will give Nigeria victory over its challenges, insisting that the security and economic challenges facing the country are temporary.

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, Mrs 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, the Most Revd. Nicholas Okoh, was also attended by some past government officials including a former Minister of information, Prof. 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”, 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, 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.

additional reports from NAN