Former President Goodluck Jonathan has opened up about the emotional burden he carried while in office, expressing regret over his inability to completely ease the suffering of Nigerians during his tenure.
Speaking at a reception held in his honour in Abuja on Sunday night, Jonathan shared that despite his best intentions, the challenges of governance made it difficult to fully address the hardships faced by ordinary citizens. The event followed his recent conferment of the esteemed Sunhak Peace Prize, awarded in recognition of his efforts to promote peace and democracy.
The reception, organized by Professor Robert Azibaola and a circle of close associates, was attended by political leaders, allies, and supporters who gathered to celebrate Jonathan’s enduring legacy as a statesman and advocate for peace.
In his heartfelt speech, the former president thanked Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, co-founder of the Sunhak Peace Prize, for the honour, calling the recognition both humbling and inspiring.
“As someone who grew up with very little, I understand what it means to suffer,” Jonathan said. “It pains me to see Nigerians going through hard times. If I had the power to eliminate suffering entirely, I would have. But it’s not as easy as people think — not even for a president.”
Jonathan recalled his modest upbringing and how it shaped his empathy toward the plight of everyday Nigerians. He admitted that he never aspired to hold national political office initially, preferring instead to serve within his home state of Bayelsa. However, destiny had other plans, and he eventually rose to the highest office in the land.
He also reflected on the weight of national leadership and how it often comes with difficult decisions and limitations, despite genuine intentions.
“Leadership at the national level comes with responsibilities that are sometimes beyond your control. What I can say is that I did my best for Nigeria,” he added.
Despite the challenges of his administration, Jonathan emphasized that his dedication to peace, democracy, and the unity of Nigeria has remained unwavering. His tenure is often remembered for his historic concession of defeat in the 2015 presidential election — a move widely praised as a milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Guests at the event lauded Jonathan’s humility, leadership style, and efforts in fostering national cohesion. The evening was described as a tribute to “a man who has not only served Nigeria but has continued to represent the country with dignity on the global stage.”
As he continues to serve as an international voice for peace and good governance, Jonathan reaffirmed that his commitment to a better Nigeria remains undiminished.
