Jonathan spoke on Saturday during the first session of the 13th Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Abuja, where he urged Nigerians to embrace spiritual renewal, responsible leadership and collective efforts towards national healing.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed concern over what he described as the increasing normalisation of killings, violence and insecurity in Nigeria, warning that the country is gradually losing its sense of humanity and moral direction.
Jonathan spoke on Saturday during the first session of the 13th Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Abuja, where he urged Nigerians to embrace spiritual renewal, responsible leadership and collective efforts towards national healing.
The former President said the growing rate of violence and destruction across the country had become disturbing, noting that many citizens now react to tragic incidents with indifference.
According to him, incidents which previously provoked outrage and grief across the nation are now treated as routine occurrences.
“As someone who has spent many years in public life and politics, I must confess that moments like this provide an opportunity for sober reflection on the state of our society,” Jonathan said.
“When we look around today, particularly at the challenges confronting our country, it is easy to become discouraged. Violence, insecurity, moral decline, and the loss of human values have become deeply troubling realities.”
He lamented that Nigerians appeared to have become desensitised to bloodshed and destruction.
“What is even more painful is how society sometimes appears to normalise these tragedies as though they are ordinary occurrences. In times past, such incidents would shake the conscience of the nation.
“Today, people are killed, communities are destroyed, and life seems to continue as though nothing has happened. This ought not to be so. It is a reminder that society desperately needs moral direction, spiritual guidance, and a restoration of values,” he added.
Jonathan also highlighted the role of the Church in promoting righteousness and rebuilding societal values, urging religious leaders to remain steadfast in speaking the truth.
He warned that despite the benefits of technology and modern information systems, they had also contributed to the spread of harmful values and behaviours.
“That is why the role of the Church remains indispensable. The Church must continue to stand as the conscience of society, speaking truth, defending righteousness, and shaping lives through faith and godly example,” he said.
“The influence of modern technology and information systems, though beneficial in many ways, has also contributed to the spread of negative values where wrong is sometimes celebrated more than good. This is not the future we should desire for our children and generations yet unborn.”
Jonathan further stressed the importance of leadership, noting that societies make progress when people of integrity, courage and vision occupy positions of authority.
“Permit me to also say that leadership matters greatly in moments like this. Society progresses when men and women of integrity, courage, and vision stand in the right places and speak the truth. We must continue to pray for our leaders, encourage one another, and work collectively for peace, justice, and national renewal,” he stated.
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