My govt not free from mistakes, says Jonathan

L–R: Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano; an unnamed govt official; President Goodluck Jonathan; and Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio in Israel ... 

President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday said he could not rule out the possibility of committing errors while administering the affairs of the country.

He admitted that while leading the country, there are possibilities of “faults and failures.”

Jonathan spoke at the second edition of an interdenominational church service with the theme “A day with Jesus for Nigeria in Israel” held in Israel as part of his two-day pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The event which was aired live was monitored on the Nigeria Television Authority.

The errors notwithstanding, Jonathan said he was sure that God would not allow him to take a decision or steps that would be against the interest of the country.

“For me, and I believe for the governors that are here with me, we are mere mortals. As mere mortals, we are not insulated from errors. There may be faults or failures. But one thing I know is that God will not allow me to do anything that will not be in the best interest of our country,” he told the congregation that included state governors, ministers, clerics and Nigerian pilgrims.

The President said despite the many challenges facing the country under his watch, he saw a new Nigeria emerging.

He said he saw a new Nigeria that all its citizens would be living in peace and unity and children yet unborn would be proud of.

Jonathan said, “I see a new Nigeria emerging; a Nigeria that our children will be proud of; a Nigeria that things will work; a Nigeria that we will have good education system; a Nigeria that we will have a good health system.

“I see a new Nigeria that we will have food security; a Nigeria that we will have houses for our people; a Nigeria that we will have good infrastructure for our movement. Above all, a Nigeria that we will live in peace and unity.

“Of course, we know that this is a period of challenges. Even as if we are saying this, it looks like a mirage to people because we know the challenges we have.

“But it does not take a lifetime to solve a problem. With prayers and unity, we shall overcome all our challenges.”

While identifying the Boko Haram as one of the greatest problems of his administration, he made a case for collective efforts to tackle the nation’s unique challenges.

He also listed kidnappings in the South, poor governance and corruption as some of the nation’s vices.

The President however said that with citizens’ commitment and prayers, the nation would overcome.

Quoting from Lamentation 3:37, Jonathan declared, “Who is he that speaks against Nigeria and comes to pass when the Lord has not commanded it?” amidst a loud ovation from the congregation.

He asked the pilgrims to pray for unity, peace and security as well as against what he called counter forces that could hinder his administration’s transformation agenda.

Jonathan said, “With unity, we can do anything. The country was so united when we encountered Ebola. With God on our side, we were able to conquer Ebola Virus.

“That singular act had brought Nigeria to the limelight, even when CNN(Cable News Network) talks about Ebola, it make reference to Nigeria. That is what unity can do. With unity and prayer, we will get to where we want our country to go.

“My request is that you should stand by the government. When you stand by the government just like you stood by us during the Ebola era, we will surely overcome our challenges,” he said.

The Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, preached the sermon at the service that featured special prayers for the President, his family, other leaders and the country.

Other Nigerian pilgrims joined the President and its entourage for the service.

The President had earlier in the day had a bilateral talk with the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu,   in Jerusalem.

Jonathan is expected back in the country on Monday (today).

The other clergymen present at the service were the Primate Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh; and President, Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor.

Governors Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom); Gabriel Suswam (Benue); Willie Obiano (Anambra); Jonah Jang (Plateau) and their wives joined members of the Federal Executive Council like the Minister of State for FCT, Olajumoke Akinjide; Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo; and Minister of Water Resources, Mrs Sarah Ochekpe at the service.