Jonathan: Many People Suffering Because of Decisions I Took in Office

Seeks abolition of age barrier in politics

Emmanuel Addeh Nigeria (NYCN), the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), among others, who were present to felicitate with him on his birthday in his country home.

“So, I am speaking to the future of this country, whatever sacrifices I have made as an individual or I discussed with my political party and others, because elections is not only about one person, we know a number of persons that are in court, not even me yet, who are suffering because of me.

“Politics is all about the people, so the decision I took, though I made the pronouncements, but it affected everybody. So, if we have made this kind of sacrifice and people are still sacrificing now, my plea with you is that you know that this country is in your hands,” he told the youths.

The former president admonished young persons in the country to cultivate the will to make sacrifices for the country when they are in position to do so, explaining that only then can the country truly make progress.

Jonathan who described the occasion as unprecedented and memorable, said it was only the second time he would celebrate his birthday in his life, the first being in 2004 while he was Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State.

While acknowledging several goodwill messages from “senior citizens” including President Muhammadu Buhari and ex-Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, he revealed that he never celebrated birthdays before his sojourn into politics as he was not used to the luxury of life because of his humble background.

Jonathan added: “Sometimes things could be so challenging that we begin to think that it is over but with what I have seen today, I am convinced that we still have a country.

“All of your speeches centre on the position I took especially when I surrendered in a way and made sure there was peace in the country because the tension was quite high.

“You also made mention of some of the few things we did when I was in office, especially relating to education and that is an area I can say we tried.

“Whatever sacrifices I have made, be willing and ready to make similar sacrifices whenever it’s your turn. Make similar sacrifice for the collective interest of our nation.”

According to him, being a young person should not be a barrier to occupying political positions, maintaining that many parts of the world were currently being led by youths.