Former President Goodluck Jonathan has criticised the conduct of Nigerian politicians, accusing some of behaving as though they own the country and warning political actors seeking power in the 2027 general election against desperation, violence and the pursuit of power at all costs.
Jonathan said political leaders must recognise that power is temporary and that no individual, regardless of the office occupied, should consider themselves superior to others or beyond the limits of human existence.
The former president spoke at the funeral service of Elder Freeman Ayeimieye, husband of the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Matilda Ayeimieye, held at St Peter’s Deanery in Yenagoa.
He challenged politicians preparing for the 2027 general election to reflect on the legacy they intended to leave behind, questioning whether they wished to be remembered for killing people and burning down houses in their desperation to win elections.
Jonathan cautioned political office seekers against inflammatory campaign rhetoric, urging them to exercise restraint and remember that ultimate power belongs to God.
He warned that no political office holder should take God’s mercy for granted or assume that occupying a powerful position made them invincible.
“Some of them talk as if they own the world, but in reality, they are mere mortals – individuals. No matter how powerful you are, if you get lost today, nobody will remember you. Nobody cares about you. Nobody should think that he owns the world, Nigeria, or even his own family.
“Sometimes, you will be surprised that some of your children might not even vote for you. That is the funny thing about politics. So, we must tread carefully as all powers belong to God Almighty alone,” Jonathan said.
Reflecting on the inevitability of death, the former president urged political leaders to examine their actions and consider how they would be remembered after leaving office or passing away.
He maintained that the pursuit of political authority should not make individuals forget their mortality or the need to leave behind a legacy worthy of remembrance.
Paying tribute to the deceased, Jonathan described Elder Ayeimieye as a man who lived a life worthy of remembrance and served as a pillar of the church.
He recalled that the late Ayeimieye was a lay reader in the Anglican Communion and contributed to the growth and activities of the church.
Also speaking at the funeral, Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, paid tribute to the deceased, recalling the support he gave his wife during her appointment as Chief Judge of Bayelsa State.
Diri said his interactions with the late Ayeimieye left him with a positive impression of his personality and contributions.
The governor also reflected on the relationship between his administration and the state judiciary, describing it as peaceful and productive under the leadership of Justice Matilda Ayeimieye.
He attributed the achievements of his administration to cooperation among the executive, legislature and judiciary, stressing that governance required the collective efforts of the three arms of government.
“Since that appointment, I have worked in peace and synergy with the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State and with the Judiciary. Any achievement of this government is because we have worked together. It is not me as governor alone. It is because we have worked together, the executive, legislature and the judiciary,” Diri stated.
In his sermon entitled “Seeking God’s Kingdom,” the Bishop of the Niger Delta West Diocese of the Anglican Church, Rev. Nexon Enekeme, cautioned Christians against making political titles, positions and material wealth the central pursuits of their lives.
The cleric reminded the congregation that earthly possessions and positions would not accompany anyone to the grave, urging them to prioritise spiritual values over worldly achievements.
He encouraged worshippers to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, assuring them that other things would follow.
Among the dignitaries who attended the funeral were former First Lady Patience Jonathan; the wives of the Bayelsa State Governor, Dr. Gloria Diri and Justice Patience Diri; Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Peter Akpe; members of the National Assembly; Deputy Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Michael Ogbere; and the Chief Judges of Rivers, Delta and Oyo states, alongside other government officials.
Post Title: “Some Politicians Talk As If They Own The World” — Jonathan Warns 2027 Aspirants Against Desperation, Violence And Abuse Of Power By Naijaonpoint.