From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
For Azibaola Robert and wife, Stella Robert, nothing is too big and nothing is too small in appreciating a long-time spiritual father and mentor, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and his spouse, former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, for their pride of place in their lives.
In accordance with the honour and high regard the Robert family holds the Jonathans, they rolled out the drums on Sunday, April 20, coincidentally on Easter Sunday, to celebrate the recent Sunhak Global Peace Prize Award bestowed on Jonathan and the esteemed Global Women Peace Ambassador Award by the Women’s Federation for World Peace International (WFWPI) on Patience Jonathan, all in Seoul, South Korea.
The event brought together political leaders, friends, and admirers who paid glowing tributes to Jonathan’s legacy as a statesman and peacemaker.
During the Sunday’s reception, the speakers highlighted defining moments in Jonathan’s presidency that showcased his character and principles.
The Sunhak Global Peace Prize is awarded biennially in South Korea to individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to peace-building, sustainable development, and environmental conservation.
It was founded to uphold the legacy of Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr Hak Ja Han Moon, with a focus on fostering a global culture of cooperation and dialogue.
Jonathan joined other distinguished global figures who have received the award for their efforts in resolving conflict and championing human dignity.
Jonathan graced the reception in Abuja alongside his wife, Patience, in an evening that had in attendance, the Labour Party 2023 Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi; the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, represented by Olori Elizabeth Opeoluwa Akinmuda; the Obanibe 111 of Oloibiri Kingdom, Bayelsa State, His Royal Highness, King Amalate Johnnie Turner; former Adamawa State Governor, Bala Ngilari and wife, Hanatu; former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku and a former Principal Secretary to Jonathan, Ambassador Hassan Tukur.
The event which held within the ambience of the Maitama, Abuja vicinity, also had in attendance, the National Chairman of the Action Democratic Party, Yabagi Sani; former senator representing Sokoto East, Abubakar Gada; New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPN) stalwart, Buba Galadima; Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) National Secretary, Peter Ameh; former Aso Rock Chaplain, Venerable Obioma Onwuzurumba and wife, Martha, among others.
Speaking during the cocktail, Obi, who chaired the occasion, said Jonathan was an embodiment of the Easter spirit, a man of hope and sacrifice.
The former Anambra State governor said: “Easter is a day for peace and hope. It is the perfect day to honour a leader who once said his ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian. That moment changed our democracy.”
Also speaking, Maku hailed his former principal, saying that Jonathan was a “transformer” and a “national treasure.”
Maku said: “All Nigerians are delighted with this award. He has been a tireless advocate for peace and national transformation. That famous line – ‘my ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian,’ wasn’t just words; it was a defining moment.”
Mounting the rostrum, Tukur, who was a principal witness during the Jonathan administration, recalled vividly some defining moments of the president’s diplomatic peace shuttles, particularly leading the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to bring about peace in Côte d’Ivoire, following the controversial 2010 presidential election in the country which pitched incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo against his main contender, now President Alassane Ouattara; standing firm during a coup in Guinea-Bissau, and mediating between warring political rivals in Kenya and Mali.
Tukur said: “He went to Mali in the middle of the night and negotiated peace. In Guinea-Bissau, he issued a 24-hour ultimatum to save the president and prime minister from execution. He led from the front and always chose diplomacy over force.”
On his part, Robert said the private reception was a chance for friends and admirers to come together and celebrate a man whose modesty often overshadows his achievements.
“We felt we should gather as friends to say thank you to someone who has consistently made us proud both in office and outside it,” Robert said.
In his remarks, Jonathan described the award as humbling and expressed deep gratitude to Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, co-founder of the Sunhak Global Peace Prize, for the global recognition.
The former President acknowledged the emotional weight that comes with witnessing the hardship many Nigerians continue to face, admitting that he always felt sad whenever he saw people suffering.
“I also went through suffering as a child because of my humble background.
“If I had the means, I would have made sure no Nigerian suffers. But it is not that easy. It’s not possible even for a president,” Jonathan said.
Jonathan, a former governor of Bayelsa State, further said that while he initially hesitated to accept higher political roles, preferring to focus on Bayelsa, he eventually embraced the calling and responsibilities of national service.
“I wanted to focus on Bayelsa, a small state, and see what I could do there. But here I am today. I will continue to do my little best until the last day I live on earth,” Jonathan also said.
Famous for his landmark quote in the run-up to the 2015 presidential election: “My ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian,” he reiterated that his lifelong mission remained peace-building, which he noted, was the truest way he believed one can serve God.
Expectedly, the former President’s commitment to peace has earned him international acclaims.
In awarding him the Sunhak Global Peace Prize in Seoul, South Korea, the organisers cited his conflict resolution efforts across Africa and his post-presidency dedication to democratic stability and good governance.
As the evening came to a close, the former President reminded guests that titles and accolades were fleeting, but service to others is eternal.
“The only way I can serve God is by serving humanity.
“And I will continue to do that in every way I can for as long as I live,” he assured.
The event ended with prayers and blessings for Jonathan’s health, legacy, and continued work in advancing peace in Nigeria and around the world.