Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama praises outgoing Nigerian President Jonathan

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has been described as a role model for the new political dawn of the Nigerian nation. This observation was made by President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, when he led a delegation of the episcopal conference on a farewell visit to President Jonathan, at the Aso Villa, Abuja, recently.

Speaking on behalf of the Bishops at the meeting, Archbishop Kaigama commended President Jonathan for his patriotic act of conceding defeat at the 28 March 2015 presidential election.  This selfless act assured peace and unity in the country. The Archbishop told President Jonathan, “By this action, you have not only redefined honesty in politics, you have laid a foundation that promises to change the way politics is done in our country,” he said.

The CBCN President continued, “Nigerian politics will never be the same again. You have carved a niche for yourself, for Nigeria and for Africa in the comity of democratic nations. We pray that this singular action will place our nation on an irreversible road to development and growth, the hall mark of democracy,” Archbishop Kaigama said.

Extolling President Jonathan for eschewing violence by living up to his words that his personal ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian, the Archbishop noted, “In doing this, you have fulfilled the scriptures because the truth has set our country free from the bondage of the clouds that threatened to engulf us,” he said.

Wishing President Jonathan God’s blessings in his future endeavours,  the Bishops expressed optimism that the outgoing president would continue to be of greater service to the Nigerian nation, Africa and the world in the future, adding, “You will remain a source of inspiration to young Africans who seek a role in politics,” Archbishop Kaigama emphasised.

The Bishops further expressed satisfaction with the relationship that the conference had with the outgoing president during his tenure of office and prayed that as he prepares for the future, “God will be a lamp for his feet as he moves on in life,” Archbishop Kaigama prayed.

Responding, President Goodluck Jonathan expressed his appreciation for the gesture of the Bishops and reiterated the importance of sacrifice in the need to move the nation forward. He noted that human beings are created for different reasons and as such must be change compliant. He thanked the bishops for the cooperation and collaboration he had with them during his tenure.

The peaceful elections in Nigeria’s presidential election, this year, surprised many people with President Goodluck Jonathan graciously conceding defeat to his rival, Muhammadu Buhari. It was the first democratic transfer of power in Nigeria’s troubled history.

(Catholic News Service Nigeria)

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