Jonathan urges politicians to emulate Mandela’s virtues

Abuja – President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday urged
politicians to emulate the Late Dr Nelson Mandela's politics
of humility, peace and reconciliation as against that of
bitterness and character assassination.
Jonathan made this call at a Memorial Service in Honour of
Mandela, former President of South Africa, held at the Aso
Rock Chapel, Abuja.
He said Mandela was filled with humility, spirit of
forgiveness and the ability to unite people.
"This is in contrast with the utterances of Nigerian politicians
who speak as if Nigeria is their bedroom from where they
make unguarded utterances and intimidate others'', he said.
He stressed that politicians had been threatening, boasting and
attempting to play little gods by virtue of their positions.
"They are no more than tiny men.''
According to him, with such attitude, it will be easier for the
camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a politician
to achieve greatness.
The President decried the attitude of such politicians bent on
over heating the polity.
He harped on the need for all politicians to always exhibit the
virtues of leadership that Mandela worked for and exhibited.
Jonathan said government declared three days mourning for
Mandela because Nigeria played key role in South African
anti-apartheid liberation struggle and to remind everyone of
their links with fellow Africans
He, therefore, called on all Nigerians to pray for the repose of
the soul of Mandela.
Senate President David Mark enjoined Africans to fight for
economic independence and democracy.
He said Mandela lived and died for Africa.
He added that with Mandela's popularity, he would have
achieved a united Africa.
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah, stressed the
need to remember those who fought with Mandela.
He urged African leaders to continue to fight social and
institutional injustices across the continent as a way of paying
tribute to Mandela.
The South African Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Chris
Mamazulu, narrated the history of Mandela during and after
the anti-apartheid liberation struggle in South Africa.
He thanked the people and government of Nigeria for their
support to his country during the apartheid era.
Mamazulu expressed delight over the ongoing economic
partnership between South African businessmen and their
Nigerian counterparts.
In his sermon, the preacher, Bishop David Ibiyomi, who
spoke on "Attitude of Gratitude'', said "100 percent of
whatever happens to us is our attitude.''

Via: NAN