President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday called on leaders to leave legacies behind while in office.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Jonathan made the call in Okrika, Rivers, at the burial of his mother-in-law, Mrs. Charity Oba.
He said the most important thing for leaders was to be remembered for the good things they left behind after leaving office.
‘’ The key thing is that whether you are being buried silently or you have the privilege of being honoured by so many people, is what did you leave behind?
‘’ And to me as a political leader and to most of my friends here who are politicians, politics or holding political office is almost like death.
‘’ While you are there, you are on the stage. The day you leave, what will people remember you for?
‘’ That has always been my guiding principle, no matter the comments, whether the comments are to the left, right or at the centre.
‘’ What challenges me every day is that the day I step out of the State House, what will the present and future generations of Nigerians remember me for?.
‘’ I believe that is what will guide most of us who are holding political offices.’’
Jonathan described Oba as a generous mother and a wonderful woman worthy of emulation.
He said that though Oba stayed shortly, his family would remember her for all she did for them.
In her speech, the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, described her mother as hardworking, generous and caring for her children.
‘’ Mama never failed to amaze us. When she was alive, she continued to show the same affection even as grown up adults.
‘’ She provided for us even as wife of Deputy Governor, wife of Governor, wife of Vice-President, and as wife of President until she breathe her last breathe, “ she said