Ex-President Jonathan speaks on challenges confronting Nigeria as cleric advises him not to soil good name with 2027 politics

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said repeated incidentally of killings, insecurity, and moral decline have become disturbing realities across the country.

Jonathan spoke in Abuja on Saturday at the closing ceremony of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion diocesan synod.

The former president said Nigeria is passing through difficult times that require spiritual guidance, courageous leadership, and collective renewal.

“When we look around today, particularly at the challenges confronting our country, it is easy to become discouraged,” he said.

“Violence, insecurity, moral decline, and the loss of human values have become deeply troubling realities.”

Jonathan lamented what he described as the growing normalisation of violence and killings in the country.

“In times past, such incidents would shake the conscience of the nation,” he said.

“Today, people are killed, communities are destroyed, and life seems to continue as though nothing has happened. This ought not to be so.”

The former president said the church must continue to defend the truth and righteousness amid the worsening insecurity and erosion of moral values.

“That is why the role of the church remains indispensable,” Jonathan said.

“The church must continue to stand as the conscience of society, speaking truth, defending righteousness, and shaping lives through faith and godly example.”

He also warned about the negative influence of modern technology and information systems on society, especially among younger generations.

“The influence of modern technology and information systems, though beneficial in many ways, has also contributed to the spread of negative values, where wrong is sometimes celebrated more than good,” he said.

“This is not the future we should desire for our children and generations yet unborn.”

He commended religious leaders for preserving faith, discipline, and hope despite prevailing national challenges.

“I therefore commend the church for the work it continues to do in preserving faith, discipline, family values, and hope within society. Your labour is not in vain. Even in difficult times, God will not abandon His people,” he said.

Jonathan also stressed the importance of integrity and courage in public service.

“Society progresses when men and women of integrity, courage, and vision stand in the right places and speak the truth,” he said.

“We must continue to pray for our leaders, encourage one another, and work collectively for peace, justice, and national renewal.”

 

Keep off politics, don’t soil your good name – Cleric tells Ex-President 

Earlier, the Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, The Most Rev’d Dr. Henry Ndukuba had urged the former President not to join the 2027 presidential race.

Archbishop Ndukuba warned that a return to partisan politics could diminish the statesmanlike reputation and good name he currently enjoys across Nigeria, Africa and beyond.

He said Jonathan had already secured a place in history as a symbol of democratic maturity and peaceful leadership, particularly following his widely commended concession of defeat in the 2015 presidential election.

“We don’t want you to spoil that good name and please, keep off for now, let them just play it. Be the senior citizen that you should be. We thank God for your life, not only for Nigeria but for the West Africa region, ECOWAS and Africa.

“You are a symbol that should stand, you are a hope for our generation; that it is possible for us to be civil, to lead with integrity and possible for us to pass on a worthy legacy to those coming after us,” Ndukuba said.

The Church, through the Most Rev’d Dr. Emmanuel Egbunu, Bishop of Lokoja Diocese prayed for the former president using him as a point of contact to other leaders of the nation.