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Does Jonathan deserve the highest honour of Namibia “Order of Welwitschia”?

Published

10 years ago

March 22, 2014

President Goodluck Jonathan rounded up his state visit to Namibia Some days ago where he was conferred with “Order of Welwitschia”, the
Namibia highest national honour, by President Hifikepunye Pohamba.
The ceremony took place at the Independence Stadium, Windhoek, and was attended by the founding President and the father of the
Namibian nation, Dr Sam Nujoma. Over 35,000 persons witnessed the ceremony at the stadium which
was full to capacity.
President Jonathan who arrived the stadium in in company of his
wife, Dame Patience, was greeted with a loud shout of “Igwe!’ (King) popularised by Nigerian Nollywood film that is hugely followed by other African countries.
President Pohamba said the honour was conferred on President Jonathan in recognition of the selfless contributions by the government
and the people of Nigeria to Namibia’s national liberation struggle.
He noted that, despite the geographic distance, Nigeria played a
prominent role together with the Frontline states in supporting the
liberation movements in Southern Africa, including SWAPO of
Namibia.
He also hailed Nigeria’s steadfast and consistent contributions to the
resolution of conflicts and the maintenance of peace and stability in
Africa, pointing out Nigeria’s role in the crisis in Cote d’ Ivoire,
Mali and in other parts of Africa.
In a citation read before President Jonathan was decorated by
Pohamba, the Master of Ceremony said that successive Nigerian
government has stood with Namibia in thick and tin.
She said that during the SWAPO struggle for Independence,
Nigeria consistently appropriated specific budget vote for the
liberation movement, the distance notwithstanding.
“Many sons and daughters of Nigeria sacrificed their lives for the
freedom and independence of Namibia,” she said.
The Master of ceremony also said that President Jonathan has
demonstrated astute leadership in confronting the challenges faced by
Nigeria and the continent.
President Jonathan thanked Pohamba and the people of Namibia for
the award, which he said underscored the long- standing relationship
between the two countries.
“Although I have been given the honour as Nigeria’s President, I
recognise that this gesture rightly belongs to the Nigerian people, on
whose behalf I am privileged to serve.
“I want to thank you also for the privileged and opportunity of sharing
this indepence anniversary celebration with you.
“Twenty four years in the history of any nation is no mean
achievement.
“This occasion rightly provides an opportunity to reflect on the
blessings of your independence and freedom. It is also a special time to
reflect on the challenges that lie ahead,” he said.
The President paid tribute to the elderstateman and leading Pan-
Africanist, Nujoma, and all Namibia freedom fighters for their vision
and personal sacrifice which won their nation’s freedom and
independence.
President Jonathan left shortly after the ceremony the President left
Namibia for Rome and the Vatican for talks on Saturday with
Pope Francis and Monsignor Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s
Secretary of State.
Do you thing he deserve the honour or is this politics ?