Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said he would have loved to end the suffering of Nigerians but acknowledged that even with the best intentions, it is not an easy task, especially for a president.
Speaking Sunday night at a reception held in his honour as the recipient of the prestigious Sunhak Global Peace Prize Award, Jonathan reflected on his personal journey, the burden of leadership, and his lifelong dedication to peace and service.
The event, held in Maitama, Abuja, brought together political leaders, friends, and admirers who paid glowing tributes to Jonathan’s legacy as a statesman and peacemaker, and to also celebrate his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, Nigeria’s former First Lady, who was recently decorated with the Global Women’s Peace Ambassador Award by the Women’s Federation for World Peace International (WFWPI).
The event was organised by Chief Azibaola Robert, FNSE, family, aides and friends of the former president, who described the evening as a “gathering of friends to honour a man who has made Nigeria proud.”
In his remarks, Jonathan described the award as humbling and expressed deep gratitude to Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, co-founder of the Sunhak Global Peace Prize, for the global recognition.
Despite his humility, the former president acknowledged the emotional weight that comes with witnessing the hardship many Nigerians continue to face.
“I always feel sad when I see people suffering. I also went through suffering as a child because of my humble background. If I had the means, I would have made sure no Nigerian suffers. But it is not that easy. It is not possible – even for a president.”
He added that while he initially hesitated to accept higher political roles, preferring to focus on Bayelsa, his home state, he eventually embraced the calling and responsibilities of national service.
“I wanted to focus on Bayelsa, a small state, and see what I could do there. But here I am today. I will continue to do my little best until the last day I live on earth.”
Jonathan, famous for his landmark quote in the run-up to the 2015 presidential election: “My ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian”, reiterated that his lifelong mission remains peace-building, saying it is the truest way he believes one can serve God.
Expectedly, the former president’s commitment to peace has earned him international acclaims. In awarding him the Sunhak Global Peace Prize in Seoul, South Korea, the organisers cited his conflict resolution efforts across Africa and his post-presidency dedication to democratic stability and good governance.
During Sunday’s reception, speakers highlighted defining moments in Jonathan’s presidency that showcased his character and principles.
Hassan Tukur, who served as Jonathan’s Principal Secretary, shared vivid anecdotes of the president’s foreign peace missions – leading ECOWAS to enforce peace in Côte d’Ivoire, standing firm during a coup in Guinea-Bissau, and mediating between warring political rivals in Kenya and Mali.
“He went to Mali in the middle of the night and negotiated peace. In Guinea-Bissau, he issued a 24-hour ultimatum to save the president and prime minister from execution. He led from the front and always chose diplomacy over force,” Tukur recalled.
Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate and chairman of the occasion, described Jonathan as the embodiment of the Easter spirit – a man of hope and sacrifice.
“Easter is a day for peace and hope. It is the perfect day to honour a leader who once said his ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian. That moment changed our democracy,” Obi said.
Former Information Minister Labaran Maku echoed similar sentiments, calling Jonathan a “transformer” and a “national treasure.”
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