Former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has appealed to political leaders across the country to place the welfare of citizens at the core of governance as the nation steps into the year 2026. The former president made this appeal in his New Year message to Nigerians, which was issued through his Media Assistant, Wealth Dickson Ominabo. In the message, Jonathan emphasized that Nigeria’s progress depends largely on leadership that genuinely serves the people and puts their needs above personal or political interests. According to him, Nigeria is at a critical point where unity, accountability, and moral leadership must be strengthened, especially in the face of ongoing economic difficulties and security concerns affecting many parts of the country. Reflecting on the year that has just ended, Jonathan acknowledged that Nigerians went through significant challenges. He noted that rising economic pressures and continued insecurity placed heavy burdens on families and communities, testing the nation’s collective strength and endurance. He stated that the past year was marked by trials that brought hardship and loss to many households, yet Nigerians continued to press forward despite the circumstances. These experiences, he said, revealed the depth of resilience within the population. Despite these struggles, the former president praised Nigerians for standing firm during difficult times. He highlighted the courage, perseverance, and sense of unity displayed by citizens as one of Nigeria’s most valuable national assets. According to him, the ability of Nigerians to support one another during hardship reflects the country’s enduring strength. Looking ahead to the new year, Jonathan called on both leaders and citizens to renew their commitment to national values. He stressed that true patriotism should go beyond words and symbols, and instead be demonstrated through service, honesty, humility, and responsibility. He further explained that leadership at every level—whether political, social, or institutional—must be grounded in selfless service and a sincere dedication to improving the lives of the people. He noted that governance driven by integrity and compassion remains essential for national development. In his concluding remarks, Dr. Jonathan extended warm wishes to Nigerians for a calm and rewarding year ahead. He also offered prayers for continued national growth, urging collective efforts toward unity, justice, and shared prosperity across the country.
