Henry Ndukuba, primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Bishop of Abuja Diocese, has advised former President Goodluck Jonathan to stay away from active politics for now to preserve his reputation and legacy.
Ndukuba spoke during a church programme attended by Jonathan, his wife Patience Jonathan, and Yakubu Gowon, former Nigerian head of state.
The Anglican cleric praised the former president for maintaining a peaceful democratic record and urged him not to allow politics to damage his public image.
“Please keep off for now,” Ndukuba said.
“Let them just play it. Be the senior citizen that you should be.”
The episcopal warning comes after some youths protested at the Abuja residence of Jonathan, urging him to run for the presidency in 2027.
The ex-president had told the protesters that he would consult widely and make a decision.
COURT RULING
The primate said he is happy with the ruling of the court concerning Jonathan’s eligibility to vie for the position.
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had imposed a N1 million fine on the plaintiff, Johnmary Jideobi, and his counsel, Ndubuisi Ukpai, for lack of diligence in the suit seeking to disqualify Jonathan from participating in the 2027 race.
“I’m happy that they took you to court, and I’m happy that the court said what they said,” he said.
“And we don’t want you to spoil that good name.”
Ndukuba described Jonathan as a symbol of integrity and democratic leadership in Nigeria and across Africa.
“You are a symbol that should stand. Let nobody touch you,” he said.
According to the cleric, Jonathan represents hope that political leadership can be driven by civility and integrity.
“We are a hope for our generation that it is possible for us to be civil,” he said.
“It is possible for us to lead with integrity. It is possible for us to pass on a worthy legacy to those coming after us.”
