Former Plateau State Governor and elder statesman, Senator Jonah Jang, on Saturday delivered a sobering message to Nigeria’s political class and citizens, warning that political power is temporary and that only character, faith and service to humanity endure.

Jang spoke in Jos during the celebration of his 80th birthday and the public presentation of his autobiography, From Airman to Politics, held as part of activities marking the milestone.

Reflecting on eight decades of life, military service and politics, the former governor said time had taught him that the pursuit of power, fame and wealth should never overshadow integrity and one’s relationship with God.

“As I look back over these eighty years, I have come to appreciate one enduring truth: positions come and go; power is temporary; fame fades; wealth cannot satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart.

“What remains is character, faith, service to humanity and our relationship with God,” Jang said.

He urged politicians and public office holders to focus on leaving behind a legacy of integrity and selfless service rather than becoming consumed by the pursuit of political office and material possessions.

Addressing young Nigerians, Jang called on them to embrace Christ while they still have the opportunity, stressing that worldly success alone cannot guarantee fulfilment.

“Life is far greater than political office, wealth or recognition. All these things will one day pass away. Our ultimate goal should be to spend eternity with Christ. That is the greatest achievement any human being can ever attain,” he said.

Explaining the motivation behind his autobiography, the former governor disclosed that he never intended to write the book until his son, Yakubu, repeatedly persuaded him to document his experiences for future generations.

According to him, the autobiography was also written to provide an accurate account of his public life and address misconceptions that have surrounded many of his decisions in office.

“Many assumptions have been made about me, my decisions and my actions.

“Some were based on incomplete information, while others created misconceptions and controversies that continue even while I am still alive.

“This book is not written to settle scores or attack anyone. Rather, it is an honest effort to place events in their proper context, explain the circumstances under which certain decisions were taken and present the facts as I experienced them,” he stated.

Jang used the occasion to acknowledge those who played significant roles in his public life, expressing gratitude to former military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, for appointing him Military Governor of Benue and Gongola states, saying the opportunity shaped his career in public service.

He also thanked former President Olusegun Obasanjo for supporting the actualisation of the mandate freely given to him by the people of Plateau State, as well as former President Goodluck Jonathan for backing his administration through key interventions, including the establishment of Operation Rainbow and the approval of refunds for federal roads executed by the state government.

The former governor equally appreciated Vice President Kashim Shettima for attending the ceremony despite his busy schedule and commended Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the people of the state for organising the celebration in his honour.

He paid an emotional tribute to his wife, describing her as his closest companion, confidant and pillar of strength throughout his years in public service.

“You have been my closest companion, my confidant, my source of strength and encouragement. Whatever achievements I have recorded were made possible because God blessed me with a faithful partner who stood beside me through every circumstance,” he said.

Dedicating the autobiography to God, Jang described the book as a testimony of divine faithfulness and urged Nigerians to pursue lives anchored on faith, humility and service.

The ceremony, attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, former President Goodluck Jonathan, governors, lawmakers, diplomats, traditional rulers and political leaders from across the country, also marked the official unveiling of the autobiography chronicling Jang’s journey from the Nigerian Air Force to the pinnacle of public service.