BY Taiwo George
President Goodluck Jonathan has described himself as one of the luckiest Nigerians alive, saying having held principal positions in government since 1999, he has had enough.
Speaking on Sunday when residents of the federal capital territory (FCT), led by Namadi Sambo, the outgoing vice-president, visited him at the presidential villa in commemoration of Easter, Jonathan expressed appreciation to Nigerians for giving him the opportunity to serve.
“I am one of the luckiest Nigerians. I am yet to see somebody luckier than me,” he said.
“From 1999, I was in the hands of government for 16 years. Not just in government as a parliamentarian because if you are a senator or house of representatives member, you take care of yourself, you live in your own house.
“I was in a cage, being taken care of by the government for 16 good years. I think it is enough and I am happy; help me to thank God for that and I will continue to thank Nigerians for giving me that privilege. Wherever I will be, I will remain grateful to this great country.”
Jonathan urged Nigerians to make sacrifices that would help in transforming the country for the better.
“I always believe we should ask, ‘What sacrifice are you making’? It is not about supporting Jonathan or government, now Buhari is coming on board. It is not about supporting Burhari or government, but what sacrifice as individual are you willing to make for government and for the nation?” he asked.
“If you are a businessman and you say you are supporting government but you don’t pay tax, how do you expect that government to survive?
“Whenever I travel to different countries and see things work, those things didn’t fall down as manner; people made sacrifice, therefore in Nigeria, people must also be ready to make the required sacrifice.
“Nation-building depends on the sacrifice of individuals and the patriotism of the citizens. These are two key elements, we must be ready to sacrifice for our nation.”
Responding, Sambo said Jonathan had contributed his own quota to the development of the country, adding that his name would be written in gold for conceding defeat after losing the election.
“With the contributions and actions you took, your name will be written in gold not only in Nigeria, but in Africa and world,” he said.
“I’m forever loyal. We are a member of one family and will remain one family.”
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