President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan said Friday that the current crop of leaders in Nigeria must do their best to change the country for the better.The President spoke during the funeral service for Chief (Mrs) Theresa Ekpeluchi Chime, the mother of Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State at Saint Mary’s Pro-Cathedral Catholic Church, Udi, Enugu State.
President Jonathan who warned against playing politics with the destiny of the nation, said “all of us must assess our journey since independence and change the country rather than thinking of escaping abroad.”
The President commended the exemplary life of late Mrs. Chime and the good upbringing she gave her children. He described the deceased as “a leader in so many respects,” while decrying the current trend of “our children losing motherly or fatherly touch due to so-called busy schedule in business or politics.”
President Jonathan urged Nigerians to emulate the virtues of love, care and kindness embodied in the late Mrs. Chime.
Governor Chime in his remarks, thanked President Jonathan for attending the burial service along with the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan in spite of their busy schedules.
The governor urged Nigerians to support President Jonathan and pray that God will give him the “wisdom and courage” to take bold steps as he steers the ship of state.
Reverend Nnamdi Nwankwo in his sermon, noted that the deceased “taught us how to live and die” as he recalled her life devoted to service to mankind and God, adding that “she was a symbol of love, transparency and accountability.
The preacher also deplored the poor state of social infrastructure and corruption in the country even as he called for “conscientious reformation and not revolution.
The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), governors of Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Abia and Akwa Ibom States, ministers and National Assembly members also attended the church service.
