President Goodluck Jonathan has challenged Nigerian past leaders to emulate the qualities of former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon; and the former Head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, both of whom, he said, had demonstrated unequal patriotism to their fatherland.

The President spoke yesterday at the fifth presidential prayer breakfast held inside the old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He also prayed for the in-coming administration of General Muhammadu Buhari while he admonished Nigerian leaders at various levels of government to be ready to make sacrifices for the growth of the nation.

Jonathan said,“ despite their tight schedules and their ages, the two former leaders had always attended programmes in the Villa any time they are invited. The support for me within this period, I will continue to do my best asI’m gradually joining Gowon and Shonekan to serve our country in different capacities.

“And I must commendGen. Gowon and Chief Shonekanand some of our other leaders, for the eight years I have been as vice president and president, whenever we called upon them wherever they are in this world, they will try to come.

“I have seen that they are extremely patriotic and they believe in this country. If all our leaders show that level of commitment, that level of patriotism, that believe and sincerity of purpose to our nation, then surely we will go where we want to go.”

*Adapted from Vanguard. Photo shows Jonathan