Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Sunday attended service alongside Former President Goodluck Jonathan in Otueke, Bayelsa State, home country of Jonathan.
Both former Presidents called for unity and oneness of the nation.
Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, the deputy governor of the state, Rear Admiral John Jonah (retd.); Former President Jonathan’s wife, Patience; a former military governor of old Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff and other top officials of the state were also at the special service which was presided over by James Oruwori, the Bishop of Ogbia.
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Speaking to the congregation at the St. Stephen Anglican Church, former President Obasanjo said Nigerians must learn from history at all times.
He added that peace and stability can only be achieved, if leaders are ready to preach and practice reconciliation.
“And the country like Nigeria, unless we preach, we teach, we practise reconciliation, then we will not have development.
“And unless we have peace, we will not have development, and unless we have development, we will not have growth and if we do not have growth, we will not come out of poverty.
“Even if some of us are exceptionally lucky and they are able to get out, the majority of us will be ridden in poverty and that is not what God has ordained for this country. What God has ordained for this country is for this country to be a land flowing with milk and honey; a land of plenty and a land of prosperity,” he said.
Sharing similar view, Former President Goodluck Jonathan also preached unity and oneness of Nigeria. He condemned some messages, particularly on the social media portraying the country as if it was sitting on a keg of gunpowder that could explode one day.
“If you listen to the radio and watch television or you visit the social media, you feel as if the country is hanging on a keg of gunpowder that can explode anytime. The children have given us a message of unity that Nigeria is one,” he said.
He said further that it is a unique opportunity that Obasanjo promised to visit Otueke when he (Jonathan) visited Obasanjo’s hometown after leaving office. He appreciated Governor Seriake Dickson for playing a good host.
The church service marks the end to Obasanjo’s three-day visit to Bayelsa State. Jonathan during the church service said it was a unique opportunity to receive him (Obasanjo) in his village.
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