Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has advised Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha not to be deterred or discouraged by criticisms.
“As a leader, there is no way you can be perfect. Even when you do the right things people will condemn you. But keep on doing what is right and let posterity judge your actions.” Obasanjo advised.
Obasanjo was among State Governors such as Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo); Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun); Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo) and Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom) who attended the wedding ceremony of Okorocha’s daughter, Uloma at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Owerri. First lady, Dame Patience Jonathan and Congress For Progressive Change (CPC), leader, General Muhammadu Buhari were represented.
The former President said that the country’s unity is non-negotiable and urged the generality of Nigerians to continue to work for its unity and progress. He stressed the importance of political tolerance and religious harmony to the building of Nigeria as a stronger and harmonious nation. “Let our politics have harmony, humanity, acceptance of each other’s worth as Nigerians so that we can co-exist harmoniously irrespective of our religious, political or ethnic backgrounds,” he said.
Describing Okorocha as a detribalised Nigerian, Obasanjo noted that the governor who contested the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with him in 2003 has made significant contributions to the unity of Nigeria
President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki, called for prayer, love and tolerance among Nigerians, saying that with determination and resilience, Nigeria will overcome the current security threat. Earlier in his speech, Okorocha expressed optimism that Nigeria will emerge from the current security challenge stronger and more united. He charged leaders to promote peaceful coexistence among all religious, political and ethnic groups in the country, adding that, “we need each other to succeed as a nation, we should see everyone no matter where they are coming from as brothers and show each other love and tolerance.”
In his sermon, the officiating priest, Bishop Gregory Ochiagha of Orlu Catholic Diocese, charged Nigerian leaders to use their personal conduct in instilling discipline in the society, pointing out that “it is not only what you say that counts but also how you act.”
He advised the couple to assist the needy. He called on Nigerians to know their limitations, “there are so many distractions in the world, do not be conformed to the world around you, lean on God and not on man.”
