Former Plateau State Governor and Senator Jonah Jang said Nigerian politicians that political power is temporary and character outlives office [1].
The warning comes as a call for integrity within Nigeria's political class, suggesting that the behavior of leaders in office determines their lasting legacy.
Jang said the remarks on Saturday during a dual event in Jos, Plateau State, marking the launch of his autobiography and his 80th birthday celebration [1, 2]. During the gathering, he reflected on his decades of public service and the nature of governance.
"Power is temporary, character outlives office," Jang said [1].
He noted that the influence granted by a political position is short-lived, whereas the reputation a leader builds remains after their term ends. He encouraged current officeholders to focus on the ethical dimensions of their leadership rather than the temporary advantages of their roles.
"I have lived a long life, and I have learned that what remains after we leave office is the character we have built," Jang said [2].
The event served as both a personal milestone and a public lecture on statesmanship. By linking his 80th year [1] to the release of his life story, Jang positioned his autobiography as a testament to the importance of personal conduct over political rank.
Throughout the speech, Jang said that the transition from power is inevitable for every politician. He suggested that those who rely solely on their titles often find themselves without a positive legacy once they are no longer in government.
“Power is temporary, character outlives office.”
Jang's remarks reflect a broader discourse in Nigerian politics regarding the transition of power and the accountability of elder statesmen. By emphasizing character over office, the former governor highlights a tension between the pursuit of political authority and the long-term social impact of leadership in Plateau State and the wider federation.
