NOBODY CAN STAY IN OFFICE FOR LIFE, SAYS JONATHAN

FROM President Goodluck Jonathan came, yesterday, an advice to the political class to subject themselves to the provision of the Constitution which has clearly stipulated the maximum term for political office holders.

Jonathan spoke in an obvious reference to the criticisms that are already trailing his rumoured 2015 ambition even when he has not formally declared. 

The President pointed out that even where the Constitution does not state the maximum term, no individual could stay in office for life. 

Jonathan stated this during the dedication of the All Saints' Anglican Church built by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, for his community, Mpu in Aninnri Local Government Area of Enugu State.

According to him, "There is no point fighting for political leadership that is transient to the extent that you want to even burn a house down because they perceive you are not too comfortable with a particular situation be it at the local level, be at the state and federal levels. These are transitional leadership.

"Today, we have a Constitution that defines the maximum tenure that any individual can stay in office. And even if the Constitution does not define, no leaders will stay there for life. 

"I think collectively, we should think more about our own country, think more about leaving behind a society that our children will be happy of.

"I believe no leader can do everything for the society. But, think about some key things and do those ones but try and do those ones very well. What I can promise Nigerians is that with your support, we will succeed. 

"We have our challenges no doubt about that, but we are committed that we will make these little changes that will make a difference in our lives" he assured.

Jonathan equally agreed with the position of the Primate of Anglican Communion, Most Rev Nicholas Okoh, that those who are well endowed should join hands to build the country. The President thus urged prominent Nigerians, who enjoy dual citizenships, to join hands with his administration to build a country “we can all be proud of”. 

His words: "I want to concur with what His grace said that if we leave Nigeria and go elsewhere, you may have different passports that can take you to many countries without even visas, they will still regard you as a Nigerian. You cannot fit in properly until you come home. 

"So, let us join hands and build a nation that we, our children and children yet unborn will be happy. Just like the Primate said, political leaders are transient, they come and go. As a leader, you always pray that as you go, you leave good footprints behind," he said. 
He commended the Deputy Senate President for remembering to build a church in line with his covenant with God. 

"Ike has been able to build a church for Mpu community. We have to thank God for giving Martias (his late father), a son like Ike", Jonathan said. 

In his sermon, the Primate of the Anglican Communion, Most Rev Nicholas Okoh, who dedicated the church, congratulated Ekweremadu for being chosen by God to build the church. "Of all you have ever done in your life, this is the best. You have applied your money to do something that brings glory to God," he said.  

The Primate, therefore, called on other wealthy individuals who can afford to build a church to emulate Ekweremadu, adding” "We want to encourage you to spend money to the glory of God". 

Most Rev Okoh, however, lamented the unpalatable situation “we found ourselves in this country”, attributing it to "human manipulations" and prayed that "God will expose them".

Source: Compass