Jonathan, Obasanjo Pray for Buahri’s Success

Jaiyeola Andrews Sheriff Balogun President Goodluck Jonathan and former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday appealed to Nigerians to pray for the success of the president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, begging them to cooperate with the in-coming government.

While Jonathan spoke at a church services in Abuja, Obasanjo spoke while receiving a delegation of South-west women leaders under the leadership of the Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief Alaba Lawson, in his Abeokuta country home.

Jonathan charged Nigerians to pray more for the incoming government, as doing so, would in no small measure, contribute to its success in delivering democracy dividends to Nigerians.

“Pray more for the incoming government, we are going out to manage our private life but they are coming to manage the nation’s wealth. All we need as Nigerians is unity and peace,” he added.

The church service was attended by the Vice-President-elect, Professor Osinbajo and his wife. Jonathan noted that “In 2007, I was here just as you are (referring to Osinbajo), the difference is that it was a handover from PDP to PDP, now it is between PDP to APC.”

He thanked Nigerians for their prayers which according to him have assisted greatly in major decisions he took while in office.

Osinbajo accompanied by his wife during the service led in praise and worship songs in the three Nigerian major languages.

Osinbajo prayed for God to grant mercy on the outgoing president and his family.

He also prayed for the country that God will cause Nigeria to be what it was created to be as the new government takes over.

On his part, Obasanjo also advised Buhari not to take Nigerians for granted in administering the country from May 29, urging him to be as honest as possible with Nigerians in overseeing the country.

Obasanjo noted that the country had been poorly managed in the last eight years, contending that it would take time for Buhari’s government to correct the anomalies, asking him (Buhari) not to be frightened by the situations.

The former president described Nigerians as clever people who could not be deceived.

He, however, told his visitors that he believed in the political wisdom of the president-elect in leading Nigeria to the right path, insisting that he (Buhari) is not a novice in governance.

He maintained that Buhari had the experiences in administering the country having ruled Nigeria as a military head of state from 1983 to 1985.

He said: “When I came in 1999, there was no fuel and power. The situation was like this but I thought we have put that one behind us. The man that is coming on board has a lot of experiences in terms of governance.

“He is not a green horn. We have both worked together in administering, then as military heads of state and we did it well. Nigerians need to exercise patience because what has been destroyed in eight years cannot be re-built in a day.

“Let’s give him time. Let’s pray for him and let’s cooperate with him. We are all concerned about the present situation of Nigeria. The expectation is very high but at the same time, there is a lot of goodwill internally and externally for the in-coming government.

“Once the in-coming administration realises this and takes every step, particularly in the first three months, when people will be watching and counting, I think for me, we will get there.”

Obasanjo further said with Buhari at the helm of affairs of the nation, the citizens, according to him, would have a new opportunity.

“God has provided a new opportunity for Nigeria and Nigerians, and I believe God does not make mistakes. One of the good things about the in-coming president is that he is not inexperienced.

“There are two things I believe. Buhari knows that the expectations of Nigerians are high and he should also not be frightened by the situation on ground.

“All he has to do is to be honest with Nigerians and not deceive them. He should not be an ostrich. He should not deceive Nigerians and not be too clever with them.

“There is a lot of goodwill for the in-coming administration from within and outside the country. What is important is that steps should be taken not to squander the goodwill. I believe the in-coming government will be able to take care of that.”