I will dedicate my life to peace, says Jonathan

Goodluck Jonathan, former president of Nigeria, says he would dedicate the remaining part of his life to peace-building across the country.

Speaking on Friday during a civic reception organised in his honour by the Bayelsa state government in Yenagoa, capital of the state, Jonathan expressed gratitude to his people for their support from 1999 when he began his political career.

“Having benefitted so much from the rare privilege of serving, I shall dedicate the remaining part of my life to peace-building in all parts of Nigeria,” he said.

“I will urge you all to support the new administration to develop Nigeria and work with the state government to develop our own state.”

Seriake Dickson, governor of the state, said the programme was organised to express appreciation to Nigerians for giving Jonathan the opportunity to lead the country.

He said the state was receiving the former president with mixed feelings of gloom and gratitude.

“We are down but not out and for those who are happy at our situation should know that we shall rise again,” he said.

Alfred Diette-Spiff, chairman of Bayelsa council of traditional rulers, said serving the country as president was a rare privilege.

“The great sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo wished to be president of the country for only one day, but our own son was president for about 3, 000 days,” Diette-Spiff said.

Jonathan left Yenagoa for Otuoke, his hometown, after handing over and he was well-received by his kinsmen.