…says commitment to peace remains unshaken
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said he would have loved to end the suffering of Nigerians but acknowledged that even with the best intentions, it is not an easy task especially for a president.
Speaking on Sunday night at a reception held in his honour following his recent award of the Sunhak Peace Prize, Jonathan reflected on his personal journey, the burden of leadership, and his lifelong dedication to peace and service.
The event, held in Abuja, brought together political leaders, friends, and admirers who paid glowing tributes to Jonathan’s legacy as a statesman and peacemaker.
It was organised by Professor Robert Azibaola and other close allies of the former president, who described the evening as a “gathering of friends to honour a man who has made Nigeria proud.”
In his remarks, Jonathan described the award as humbling and expressed deep gratitude to Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, co-founder of the Sunhak Peace Prize, for the global recognition.
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Despite his humility, he acknowledged the emotional weight that comes with witnessing the hardship many Nigerians continue to face.
“I always feel sad when I see people suffering. I also went through suffering as a child because of my humble background,” he said.
“If I had the means, I would have made sure no Nigerian suffers. But it’s not that easy. It’s not possible—even for a president.”
He added that while he initially hesitated to accept higher political roles, preferring to focus on Bayelsa, his home state, he eventually embraced the calling and responsibilities of national service.
“I wanted to focus on Bayelsa, a small state, and see what I could do there. But here I am today. I will continue to do my little best until the last day I live on earth.”
Jonathan reiterated that his lifelong mission remains peace-building, saying it is the truest way he believes one can serve God.
The former president’s commitment to peace has earned him international acclaim.
In awarding him the Sunhak Peace Prize in Seoul, Korea, the organisers cited his conflict resolution efforts across Africa and his post-presidency dedication to democratic stability and good governance.
During Sunday’s reception, speakers highlighted defining moments in Jonathan’s presidency that showcased his character and principles.
Hassan Tukur, who served as Jonathan’s Principal Secretary, shared vivid anecdotes of the president’s foreign peace missions—leading ECOWAS to enforce peace in Côte d’Ivoire, standing firm during a coup in Guinea-Bissau, and mediating between warring political rivals in Kenya and Mali.
“He went to Mali in the middle of the night and negotiated peace. In Guinea-Bissau, he issued a 24-hour ultimatum to save the president and prime minister from execution. He led from the front and always chose diplomacy over force,” Tukur recalled.
Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate and chairman of the occasion, described Jonathan as the embodiment of the Easter spirit—a man of hope and sacrifice.
“Easter is a day for peace and hope. It’s the perfect day to honour a leader who once said his ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian. That moment changed our democracy,” Obi said.
Former Information Minister Labaran Maku echoed similar sentiments, calling Jonathan a “transformer” and a “national treasure.”
“All Nigerians are delighted with this award. He has been a tireless advocate for peace and national transformation. That famous line—‘my ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian’—wasn’t just words; it was a defining moment,” Maku said.
The host and convener of the event, Professor Robert Azibaola, said the private reception was a chance for friends and admirers to come together and celebrate a man whose modesty often overshadows his achievements.
“We felt we should gather as friends to say ‘thank you’ to someone who has consistently made us proud—both in office and outside it.”
The Sunhak Peace Prize is awarded biennially in South Korea to individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to peace-building, sustainable development, and environmental conservation.
It was founded to uphold the legacy of Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, with a focus on fostering a global culture of cooperation and dialogue.
Jonathan joins other distinguished global figures who have received the award for their efforts in resolving conflict and championing human dignity.
As the evening came to a close, the former president reminded guests that titles and accolades are fleeting, but service to others is eternal.
“The only way I can serve God is by serving humanity,” he said.
“And I will continue to do that, in every way I can, for as long as I live.”
The event ended with prayers and blessings for Jonathan’s health, legacy, and continued work in advancing peace in Nigeria and around the world.
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