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Don’t Allow Your Ambition Consume Nigeria -Jonathan …Jonathan Saved Nigeria From Political Crisis -Abdulsalami
As the nation heads into general elections, former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan has admonished political office seekers to be wary of their actions in order not to set the country ablaze.
Speaking at the opening session of a one-day peace conference with the theme, “Peaceful Elections and National Development,” organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) in Abuja yesterday, he observed that no meaningful progress can be achieved without peace.
While reminding the politicians that the entire world is watching, he said everything must be done to ensure that the elections are violence-free.
The former president was of the view that there will be serious repercussions for West Africa if the Nigerian elections do not go well
He, therefore, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to be professional in the discharge of their responsibilities before, during and after the elections.
Jonathan said: “For democracy to endure and be productive on the continent, African politicians and other stakeholders must realize that true heroes of leadership are not those whose desperation to impose their will endanger society, but those who have the humility to subjugate their personal ambitions to the collective interest of their nations.
“Our political leaders must realize that the greatest and most enduring legacy to leave behind is that of peace and development.
“We are convinced that anyone, either in government or outside government, who truly loves Nigeria, will not want to play the role of the villain by lending his support to any action that instigates crises.”
According to the former president: “There is no gainsaying that when politicians resort to desperate measures in the bid to occupy important political positions, they run the risk of plunging their countries into serious crises that often lead to loss of lives, degradation of values as well as the destruction of private and public assets.”
He admonished African leaders to remember that failure to make the democratic process peaceful will make it difficult to attain growth.
He further said: “We know that good governance is the fertile ground upon which peace and sustainable economic growth are planted. In this regard, it is important to point out that in a democracy, periodic, credible and peaceful elections are the necessary gateways to improved governance and people-oriented development.”
“It is on record that despite the marked improvement on the regularity and number of democratic nations, election-related violence has continued to be experienced in many African nations, often to the detriment of peaceful co-existence, economic growth and sustainable development.”
“Although it is reassuring to note that democracy is being consolidated on the continent, with elections now conducted routinely by many African nations, it is however difficult to express such optimism on the peaceful nature of the electoral processes.”
Speaking as the chairman of the occasion, former Military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) similarly advised tasked the nation’s leaders to imbibe the lessons of 2015.”
He recalled that while the enemies of Nigeria predicted doom; they were disappointed when the country conducted a transparent election that ushered in the incumbent government of President Muhammadu Buhari.
He said: “We all recall the tension in Nigeria during the 2015 elections where the doomsayers were predicting the balkanization of Nigeria but thank God through the action of Nigerians and the then President, Goodluck Jonathan; they were proved wrong because the gentleman kept his word that his Presidency was not worth the blood of any Nigerian and he graciously conceded defeat at that election.”
The Chairman, National Peace Commission said effort must be made to make the 2019 polls the most peaceful in the history of the nation.
The Special Guest of Honour and former President of Liberia, Professor Amos Sawyer in a veiled response to the threat issued against foreign observers by Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna state, said Nigerians must not see the presence of world leaders in the country as an intrusion.
He noted that Nigeria as Africa’s most populous nation means a whole lot to the West African sub-region.
Sawyer stayed: “Nigeria’s role in West Africa makes the election in this country is very critical. So elections in Nigeria cannot be seen solely as a Nigeria’s affairs,” he said, adding that the trouble currently rattling the nation’s judiciary should be resolved in accordance with the provisions of the law.”
“Nigerian judiciary has been in the news for quite some time now in a manner that is of deep concern. It is our hope that the issues involved are resolved in a manner that will leave the integrity of the judiciary intact.”
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan Kukah, who was the lead speaker at the occasion, stressed the need for inter-tribal bond among Nigerians.
He said the existence of such affinity will engender unity in the country. Kukah spoke on “Electoral Violence in Nigeria: Causes, Consequences and Options for Prevention.”
The clergyman who observed that Nigeria has refused to confront the realities of the state times, said killings no longer make meaning to people so long as those killed are not from their ethnic nationalities.
The occasion attracted many prominent personalities including members of the Diplomatic Corps.
Meanwhile, A former Nigerian Military Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, said yesterday that by accepting defeat in 2015, ex-Nigerian President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, saved the country from political crises.
Abubakar spoke at a one-day peace conference organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, with the theme “Peaceful Elections and National Development.”
Dignitaries at the event include Hassan Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and Convener National Peace Committee of Nigeria; Al-Hassan Conteh, Liberia Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as Fidele Sarassoro, Chief of Staff to the President of Cote d’Ivoire.
Mr Abubakar, who was the chairman of the conference, said Mr Jonathan kept to his words that his ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian.
He called on key political actors in Nigeria, particularly those seeking elective positions, to do everything possible to ensure peace in the forthcoming general elections because “Nigeria is not a stranger to electoral violence.”
He urged all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful nation because, “Without peace, there would be no nation, and without a nation, there would be no election.”
“The period of election in the country is often tension-soaked because of the competition involved. Nigeria is not a stranger to electoral violence. Jonathan kept his word that his presidency is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.”
“He graciously conceded defeat. He saved the country from falling into political crisis. Nigerians and indeed, the world are praying that the election would be peaceful. Without peace, there would be no nation, and without a nation, there would be no election,” he said.
Speaking earlier at the event, Mr Jonathan spoke about the need for unity in Nigeria.
“We experienced the civil war that ended since 1970. But up to date, the feelings are still in even children who were not born at that time because of the stories they get told. And that is why we must do everything to avoid conflict because it is always difficult to erase these feelings,” the former president said.
Dr Jonathan, before the announcement of the final results of the 2015 general presidential elections, in a move that shocked many political pundits, conceded defeat to the current president, Muhamadu Buhari, after a keenly contested poll.
That was the first time an incumbent would be losing the top seat (and conceding victory) to an opposition party in Nigeria.
Dr Jonathan has been celebrated globally for his action, which many believe saved the country from political turmoil.
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo