1st November, 2013
Okafor Ofiebor/ Port Harcourt
President Goodluck Jonathan has said he would no longer be bothered about negative comments and criticisms of his administration.
Instead, he said he has his eyes on history and would prefer posterity to judge him.
President Jonathan said this at the funeral church service held for his wife’s adopted mother, Madam Charity Oba, in Okrika town, Rivers state today.
He said the celebration of the death of his in-law is enough pointer to politicians and political office holders to leave lasting legacies that would sign post their performance while holding public office.
President Jonathan said he would have delivered enough goods for Nigerians to remember him after leaving office as President,
“To me as a political leader and most of my friends here who are politicians, politics or holding political offices is almost like death. While you are there, you are on the stage. The day you leave, what would people remember you for? That has always been my guiding principle.
“No matter the comments; whether the comments are to the left or the comments are to the right or at the centre, what challenges me every day is that the day I step out of the State House, what would the present and future generations of Nigerians remember me for. I believe that is what will guide most of us who are holding political offices. So, for today, I have to thank you. Sisi has done well and we are remembering her. My family is the family that will surely remember her”, he said.
The security presence in Okrika was overwhelming as gunboats were deployed in all Okrika waterways, while airforce helicopters hovered in the skies several times.
Host Governor, Chibuike Amaechi participated in all the funeral rites and sat closely with the Bayelsa state Governor, Seriake Dickson.
Vice President Namadi Sambo, and his wife,the Senate President, David Mark and his wife were also present.
Other Governors present at the ceremony are: Adams Oshiomhole of Edo, Peter Obi of Anambra, Godswill Akpabio of Akwa-Ibom, Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta, Theodore Orji of Abia, Sullivan Chime of Enugu and Liyel Imoke of Cross Rivers states and Nolly wood stars and top Nigerian musicians.