The president, who spoke at the 5th Presidential Prayer Breakfast at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Saturday, also warned that lawmakers stood the risk of plunging the nation into crisis if they failed to do things the right way.
The president also called on leaders to emulate the virtues of former leaders like General Yakubu Gowon and Chief Ernest Shonekan who he observed had demonstrated immense patriotism towards the country.
He said: “I always say leadership is not all about giving directives. A successful leader must be ready to make sacrifices. Everything about human life as an individual, a child, if you don’t make the required sacrifice, you can’t go to where you want to go.
“If you don’t sacrifice your pleasure, of course, you will know where you will end. As parents, we know the kind of sacrifice we make for our children to go to school, to feed.
“To build a family, you need sacrifice. So, for those who who have the privileges of leading at local, state and national, at all times, we should be ready to make sacrifices for our nation to grow.”
While calling on all leaders to make sacrifice, President Jonathan added: “I’m also calling on leaders at all levels. Ministers must make the required sacrifice. Our lawmakers, because they look at all our laws, they can create crisis in country if they are not ready to do things the right way.
“So, all of us in leadership position must be ready to make the sacrifice and with our prayers and with our commitment Nigeria will surely get to where it wants to go.”
The president noted the challenges facing the country, particularly the Boko Haram insurgency in the North and kidnapping in the South South and South-East, but assured that the nation would overcome them.
He further said: “We have challenges. Today, we are talking about Boko Haram in the North, kidnapping in South South, South East. At times, you are forced to think that the nation is ending. Definitely, this country will overcome this challenge. That is the reason for these prayers.
“Just like prayers helped Nehemiah to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, our constant prayers will help us rebuild this nation.
“We continue to pray for the country and, of course, we pray for the incoming to government and also pray for us who are leaving to have the opportunity to serve humanity in different phases.
“For me, I have to thank God and Nigerians for the privilege and opportunity given to me these past 16 years. I served my state as a deputy governor and governor for eight years. From Government House in Yenegoa, I came here to the State House, Abuja, served the country as vice president and president. That is a reasonable length of time and so I have to thank God, first because if God did not will it, it wouldn’t have happened.
“I have to thank Nigerians for the support within this period, I will continue to do my best as I’m gradually joining Gowon and Shonekan to serve our country in a different capacity.”
Jonathan was impressed by the turnout at the event as he explained that he thought since he was leaving office, his visitors would be dwindling.
“Today, I expected a very low turnout because in most cases when government is going, people reduce. You will notice that even at the chapel, the number of people that will be coming becomes less and less. But when I came in, I noticed that this whole hall was filled up. So I have to sincerely thank all of you,” he observed.
The first lesson at the prayer session was taken by General Gowon while Pastor Paul Eneche gave a short exhortation.
Among the prominent personalities present at the occasion were former Head of Interim Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan; Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh; House Leader, Hon. Mulikat Akande; President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor; deputy governor of Kaduna State, Bajowa; Senator Ita Enang, Senator Philip Aduda; Hon. Uche Ekwunife; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Ayim Pius Ayim; Head of Service of the Federation, Danladi Kefasi; HRM Alfred Diete Spiff; ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, among others.
Source: Tribune
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