Goodluck E. Jonathan, the former Nigeria’s President, has told Nigerians of “A New Opportunity to be better leaders and better followers.”
Jonathan who was defeated by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 in the general elections in his New Year message declared “All I just want to say is that there is hope and a future for Nigeria. We do not just have a New Year, we have a New Opportunity.”
Meanwhile, Pope Francis in his 52nd World Day of Peace delivered on January 1 rolled out the eight beautitudes for politicians of different hues.
According to him, “This is a programme on which all politicians, whatever their culture or religion, can agree, if they wish to work together for the good of the human family and to practise those human virtues that sustain all sound political activity: justice, equality, mutual respect, sincerity, honesty, fidelity.
‘’In this regard, it may be helpful to recall the “Beatitudes of the Politician”, proposed by Vietnamese Cardinal François-Xavier Nguyễn Vãn Thuận, a faithful witness to the Gospel who died in 2002:
Blessed be the politician with a lofty sense and deep understanding of his role.
Blessed be the politician who personally exemplifies credibility.
Blessed be the politician who works for the common good and not his or her own interest.
Blessed be the politician who remains consistent.
Blessed be the politician who works for unity.
Blessed be the politician who works to accomplish radical change.
Blessed be the politician who is capable of listening.
Blessed be the politician who is without fear
