Jonathan vows to sanitise electoral system

President Goodluck Jonathan says he is committed to bringing transformation to the country by sanitising the electoral process through free and fair elections.

Jonathan made the promise in Enugu on Monday at the dedication/hand-over ceremony of the All Saints Anglican Church, Mpu, in Aninri Local Government Area, built by the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu.

Jonathan explained that good governance was anchored on free, fair and credible elections, adding that political leadership was transient.

``We should think more of our country; think more of building a society that our children will be happy about. I believe that no leader can do everything for the society but you think about some key things and do those ones very well.

``In this political dispensation, my feeling is to have free and fair elections. You cannot talk about good governance where election of people are manipulated.

``If your coming to power from counsellorship to presidency is based on manipulation, then there is no good thing you can do there.

``My belief first and foremost is to make sure that our electoral processes are sanitised and that the votes of Nigerians count.

``What I can promise Nigerians is that with their prayers, we will succeed and we are committed to making those little changes that will make a difference,’’ Jonathan said.

In a sermon, the Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), The Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, commended Ekweremadu for the bold step toward ensuring the growth of the Church.

The primate urged well to do Nigerians to emulate the good investment made by the deputy president of the Senate.

``The building of this church is a commendable effort. We want to encourage Nigerians to give to the glory of God. This is a place to build human beings for God.

``We must approach God in humility and meekness into the house of God,’’ Okoh said.

In his goodwill message, Ekweremadu said the decision to build the Church was born out of his promise and covenant with God.

``Today is the happiest day of my life because I have fulfilled my long time promise and covenant with God.

``I promised to build a Church for God if He makes me successful in life and since that day, it has been from one blessing to another. I have never lacked since then,’’ he said.

------Daily Times, Nigeria, April 1, 2013