President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday gave an insight into the fate that awaits him under the incoming government of the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), saying he and ministers as well as other aides who served under him would be persecuted.

He said he and his ministers would have hard times because of some critical decisions they took while in office.

Jonathan also looked back at all the benefits that had come his way as a Nigerian, saying he was ready to pay the supreme price for the nation.

The President spoke at a thanksgiving and farewell service organised in his honour at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, Life Camp, Gwarinpa, Abuja.

Jonathan who was accompanied by his wife, Patience, said considering what God had done in his life, he wished he could dance like the biblical King David but he kept missing his steps whenever he made attempts.

He said only a few Nigerians within his age bracket were as lucky as he is because he had not suffered any lack, not because he is hardworking but by the grace of God.

He said after reflecting on the benefits which included the scholarships he enjoyed in school and the various political offices he had occupied, he should be able to do anything in the interest of the country, including paying the supreme price.

He added that he is leaving office of the President as a fulfilled and very happy man.

Jonathan said, “I want to thank God for what he has done for me and my family. I wish to dance more than David, if I tried to dance, I missed my steps.

“I have all the reasons to thank God. Very few of those in my age brackets have been that lucky. All through my education I was on government scholarship. I have not suffered lack not because I am hardworking, but by God’s grace.

“When I look at the whole picture of my life up to when I became the President of this country, I say that if soldiers and police officers that have not received 0. 5 percent of the benefits that I have received from the state can lay their lives for this country, I should do anything in the interest of Nigeria, including paying the supreme price. “As long as live, I will continue to do my best for the state because the state has helped me as a person.

“I have to thank Nigerians especially my state for giving me the opportunity to serve as deputy governor and the whole country gave me the opportunity to serve as Vice President and then President, first was to complete the tenure of the late president and later serve as President from which I am exiting now as a very happy and fulfilled man.”

Saying that hard decisions have their own cost, Jonathan said he was ready to pay for some of the costly decisions he took while in charge of the country. He said experience had shown him that people would at a time desert anybody who takes tough decisions like he did.

He said he had always hold the belief that more of his friends would desert him as time goes on.

Read More: saharareporters