The Nation Newspaper

Tag: former President (Goodluck) Jonathan

  • 2019 Presidency: Jonathan backs David Mark

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday threw his weight behind the presidential ambition of Sen. David Mark, saying the former senate president will strengthen the bond of unity in Nigeria.

    The former president, who hosted the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant in his Yenogoa residence, said Nigeria was in dire need of unity.

    Jonathan said that it would take a man with strength of character and clear conscience like Mark to rebuild and foster unity in Nigeria in 2019.

    “We are only existing superficially and this is very dangerous,” he warned.

    He said that beyond dwindling economy and worsening insecurity, the major problem the next president would face was the challenge of uniting the country and giving every section a sense of belonging.

    Jonathan noted that every right thinking Nigerian should crave for peace and unity as “we continue to stay together”.

    “Staying together is what everyone desires as the global community respects and values us because of our size and population.

    “As president of Nigeria, I worked harmoniously with Mark as President of the Senate. He demonstrated patriotism and loyalty to his fatherland.

    “His colleagues admitted that he is a detribalised leader. He is the kind of man the nation needs now.” Jonathan said.

    The former president expressed optimism that the PDP would get it right in 2019 elections.

    In his remarks, Mark, said that Nigerians now knew the difference between the former and present administrations.

    He said that he possessed the experience, knowledge and skill to bring the nation out of the social and economic malaise within two years if elected.

    Earlier, Director General of David Mark Campaign organization, Sen. Zainab Kure, paid glowing tribute to Jonathan for his uncommon leadership quality and sacrifices he made to keep the nation united.

    Kure noted that Nigerians would forever be grateful to the ex-president for his statesmanship.

  • Ex President Jonathan’s Chief Protocol joins Adamawa guber race

    Amb. Jameel Zubairu, the State Chief Protocol Officer to former President Goodluck Jonathan, has declared interest to aspire for 2019 governorship position in Adamawa under Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Zubairu made the declaration on Saturday in Yola at the presentation of appointment letters to members of his campaign organisation.

    Zubairu said he was overwhelmed by calls and commitment of stakeholders in PDP in the state to work for the success of his governorship project and would not disappoint them.

    While urging his campaign team to handle the task with trust, Zubairu said he would not betray them.

    “I thank you for your confidence in me and I want to assure you that all those that work for the success of this project would be rewarded accordingly,” Zubairu said.

    In his remarks, the Director General of the campaign organisation, Mr Gibson Nathaniel said the campaign organisation which comprised coordinators in all the 21 local government areas of the state were expected to mobilised party delegates for the aspirant.

    “Our task now is to deliver you as the PDP candidate for the state, from there the party can now take over,” Nathaniel said.

    Also commenting, the Director Publicity, Mr Sunday Wugira, and Women Leader of the Organisation, Madam Tina Thomas, said Zubairu project was based on popular demand as his campaign office and 10 vehicles were donated by members across the state, who invited him to come and contest.

    They said that Zubairu who hold the traditional tittle of “Mutawwale” of Adamawa Emirate was a renowned philanthropist, seasoned civil servant and diplomat who has what it takes to provide Adamawa the needed quality leadership.

    “So far, no aspirants marches his credentials in our party; it’s high time Adamawa PDP go for the best if we want to take back the state from APC,”

  • Buhari has done well in Delta State more than Jonathan – Emerhor

    A stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Olorogun Otega Emerhor on Wednesday night declared that President Muhammadu Buhari has done well in Delta State more than former President Goodluck Jonathan, who hails from the zone.

    He spoke with State House correspondents after meeting with the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari.

    On what are the chances of Buhari in the South South, Emerhor said, “In 2015, we had President Jonathan who is from the south south, that created an emotional issue but we have seen now that even when Jonathan was in power, he did not do for Delta what President Buhari has done for us.

    “The Ogoni cleaning exercise that is going on there is one of the major thing we can count on. The east west road is being completely rehabilitated and that did not happen when one of our own sons was the President.

    “So, we are very confident that the south south this time around wants to belong to the center and that is why we are going to be able to deliver the President there.” he added

    Giving more reasons why the South South will support Buhari, he said that the Buhari’s administration has reactivated the amnesty programme; the Maritime University in the Ijaw-Ishekiri side of Delta is now functioning.

    Read Also:June 12: NUPENG commends Buhari for honouring MKO, others

    He went on: “And he has done a lot for us in Delta. He has empowered a lot of our people in Delta.

    “We have the Minister of State Petroleum and the Minister of Transportation from South-South, the N-Power programme is working so all these have created the enabling environment for us to deliver the President in 2019.” he said

    Optimistic that the APC can take over the reins of leadership in Delta State from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), he said that the current Governor off the State has not done enough thus, clearing the coast for the APC to take over.

    “Let me tell you, we are so fortunate that the Governor of Delta Sate, who is a PDP man, is not doing anything. Delta has a lot of resources and the expectation is that the State should be doing better than Edo State for example, which is our neighbour but the APC Governor in Edo is doing so well; even Willie Obiano in Anambra that doesn’t having anything is doing so well.

    “So it’s so obvious that the finances of Delta State are not being applied and everyone in Delta is now convinced that APC must takeover because they produce performing Governors,” he stated.

    Commenting on alleged divisions in the APC in Delta State, he said the issue was not peculiar to Delta State.

    “The issue of congresses and division did not happen only in Delta. It happened across the country but this is the period of reconciliation. There is a group that did not work with the majority of the people in Delta; we formed a unity group in Delta that had so many Governorship aspirants and leaders working together.

    “But as you know, the Ogboru and Omo-Agege group put their own governorship aspiration ahead and decided to work separately but the move we are making is to bring everybody together, provide a level playing field so that all the Governorship aspirants will work together.

    “But the great objective we have is how to deliver the President in Delta State 2019. That is our priority and the ground is ripe for us to take over that State and deliver 2 million votes for President Buhari in 2019,” he said.

     

  • Jonathan urges investment in education as FLP honours first class graduates

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that any country that failed to invest in the education of its citizen will have to deal with restiveness and vices in the future.
    The former president disclosed this in Yenagoa during the Bayelsa Heroes Award for Academic Excellence organised by the Future Leaders Project.
    Jonathan, represented by the former Commissioner for Education in Bayelsa, Chief Tobias James, said that he made deliberate investment in education because of his belief in its importance.
    “Education is one of the ways to lift people out of poverty and support them to achieve prosperity.  It is also my belief that any nation that does not spend its wealth and resources to develop the capacity of its youths will eventually be forced to devout its resources to fighting insecurity among same youths,” he said.
    He commended the organisers of the event for rewarding excellence while challenging the awardees to make good use of their knowledge for the development of the state, country and for the good of mankind.
    The Senior Adviser of FLP and Former Bayelsa State Governorship Candidate, Moses Siloko Siasia said it is the right time to change the narrative about Bayelsa, arguing that many see the youths from the state as militants and opportunists. Siasia who narrated the success stories of some Bayelsans noted that Bayelsa is the home of excellence, blessed with men and women who can compete favourably in any part of the world and he also stated that the event was to compliment the Educational effort of the Bayelsa State Government.
    In his remark, the executive secretary of FLP, Mr. Victor Sameria, who boast of a First-Class degree in Law from the University of Buckingham, United Kingdom and distinction in his post graduate programme from the same university, said there is a mentorship scheme for those who distinguished themselves in their academic programmes. The 23-year-old also announced that there are scholarship programmes for undergraduate awardees to further their studies at foreign universities willing to partner with the organisation.
    “We have a mentorship scheme for those who distinguished themselves in their academic programmes. I make bold to say that most of the awardees today will go through the scheme. About two weeks ago, the Lagos state governor adopted the best graduating students from Lagos State University, nothing stops our leaders from doing same to encourage academic excellence in Bayelsa,” he added.
    The chairman of the occasion and frontline architect, Harcourt Adukeh praised the organisers, noting that this is the Bayelsa of his dream.
    “This is the beginning of something new about the narrative for Bayelsa. What the Future Leaders Project is doing for Bayelsa is the same thing that Harvard University is doing for the United States of America. They get a lot of bright youths, bring them together for networking. They interact and take decisions that will shape the future. It is the turn of these ones (the awardees) to write the story of Bayelsa,” he added.
    One of the awardees, Ruth Ebikaboere Omu, who bagged awards for her undergraduate and post graduate programmes lauded the organsiers, stressing that her success story despite the challenges she faced in her academic pursuit should serve as a motivation to young Nigerians that they can achieve their dreams.
    Four eminent indigenes of the state, including Nigerian historian and Professor emeritus, Prof Ebiegberi Joe Alagoa were also given special recognition awards.

  • Jonathan consoles Aboderin’s family

    …Says late Punch chairman a  crusader for public good

     

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with the Aboderin family and Punch newspapers over the death of Mr. Gbadebowale Aboderin, who until his death last Wednesday, was the Chairman of Punch Media Limited.

    He described him as a crusader for public good.

    In a condolence letter to the Aboderin family as well as management and members of staff of Punch newspapers, the former President stressed that the late Aboderin would be sorely missed because of his deep commitment to national development.

    A statement issued by Dr. Jonathan’s media adviser, Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, said the ex-President also noted that Mr. Aboderin left a legacy of hard work and passion for a just society.

    Read Also:PUNCH Chairman Aboderin dies after heart surgery

    The statement said: “Late Aboderin will be sorely missed because of his deep commitment to national progress and the ease with which he reached out and made friends across regional lines and religious ties.

    “He was a man who invested hugely in the cause of the ordinary people and worked altruistically for public good.  The high value he placed on social capital was evident in the height to which he took Punch; expeditiously repositioning the newspaper as a credible voice for equity, national unity, good governance and democracy.

    “As a sports enthusiast, he willingly channeled his energy and resources in the pursuit of his interest, a passion that positively reflected in his substantial contributions to sports development, especially the game of basketball which he greatly lifted.

    “He will be remembered for his impressive legacy of hard work, philanthropy and passion for a just and equitable society.”

    The ex-President also prayed for God to comfort late Aboderin’s loved ones and grant his soul eternal rest.

     

  • Jonathan congratulates Sierra Leone’s new President

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated winner of Sierra Leone’s President election, Brig. Julius Maada Bio (retd) who took charge Thursday as the country’s new leader.

    Bio who contested as the candidate of Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) clinched victory by winning 51.81 percent of the votes in the March 31 run-off while Samura Kamara of the All People’s Congress (APC) won 48.19 percent.

    A statement by Jonathan’s spokesman, Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, said the former President who led the election observation Mission of the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa, (EISA), to Sierra Leone also congratulated the people of Sierra Leone for their peaceful conduct during the elections.

    Describing Bio’s victory as a demonstration of his people’s trust in his abilities, Jonathan urged the new President to work for the benefit of all. The ex-President stated this on Thursday in a goodwill message to President Bio.

    He said “I congratulate you on your election victory and convey my best wishes, as you assume responsibilities of the Office of the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

    “Through you, I also congratulate the people of Sierra Leone for going through this phase of their political life, peacefully.

    “Your historic triumph at the polls is a clear demonstration of the trust Sierra Leoneans has placed in you and in your abilities to make their lives better and lift your great country to the next level.

    “I urge you to adopt the principle of ‘no victor, no vanquished’ and see your victory and Presidency as that of all Sierra Leoneans.

    “I pray that Almighty God will guide and protect you in this important assignment of leading your country to further greatness,” he stated.

    Read Also: Buhari congratulates Bio on victory 

     

  • I’m not aware of alleged Cambridge Analytica fraud, Jonathan insists

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday insisted that he was not aware of the alleged electoral fraud raised against Cambridge Analytica.

    The current administration is said to be scrutinizing the reports of the data mining firm Cambridge Analytica, which swiped the data of more than 50 million Facebook users to sway elections in many country including Nigeria.

    It was said to have waged a campaign to perpetuate discord and hack into personal records of the then leading opposition Candidate, Muhammadu Buhari in 2007.

    To get to the bottom of the issue, the Federal Government is said to have set up an in-house committee to investigate whether Cambridge Analytica’s work for the then ruling party, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP in 2007 and 2015 general elections campaigns to break the laws of this country or infringed on the rights of other parties and their candidates.

    Depending on the outcome of the investigation, a special investigator may be appointed and possibly, criminal prosecutions by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

    But a statement on Thursday by Jonathan’s spokesman, Ikechukwu Eze, entitled “Re: ‘Jonathan unaware PDP used Cambridge Analytica, spokesman claims’” reads “My attention has been drawn to a trending story entitled ‘Jonathan unaware PDP used Cambridge Analytica, spokesman claims’.

    “I write to clarify that there is an element of mischief in the story, with the reporter disingenuously seeking to drag the People’s Democratic Party into the report, and make the party look like an accomplice, in a case it was not even mentioned.

    “The truth is that in my reaction to a question from an AFP reporter in a telephone chat on whether the former President knew about the alleged involvement of Cambridge Analytica in the 2015 elections, I had simply responded thus: “All the stories written about the subject
    so far had all clarified that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan was not aware of such attempt, if there were any.”

    “Although I was correctly quoted, to the effect that “former President Jonathan was not aware of it”, I consider the attempt to link my response with an orchestrated PDP involvement in the allegation as simply preposterous. This is because the PDP was neither mentioned in
    the scandal nor came up in my chat with the reporter. It is instructive that the whistleblower who originated the allegation has been consistent in associating it to an unnamed businessman, who was neither linked to the party nor to the Jonathan campaign.

    “It is therefore deceitful for any pundit to blame the allegation on the PDP or anybody close to the former President, even before investigations were concluded,” he stated.

    Read Also: Alleged fraud: Court asks Jonathan’s cousin to enter defence

  • How billions were moved to Jonathan’s residence from CBN ahead of 2015 elections

    More details have now emerged showing how billions of naira and hundred millions of dollars were illegally removed from the public till by the Jonathan administration specifically ahead of the 2015 presidential elections.

    The information came on the tail of the denial by Jonathan’s spokesmen that any money was taken illegally out of the Nigerian treasury and shared by Jonathan and his aides.

    The information was given by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to illustrate how grand corruption has been doing great havoc to the Nigerian economy. He said weeks to the 2015 election under the administration of former president Goodluck Jonathan about N100B was released and embezzled. He also disclosed that about $289m was disbursed illegally about the same time.

    Now, there are some new details of how some of the funds were illegally transported from the Central Bank to the private residence of the former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    The former NSA, Sambo Dasuki personally supervised the physical transfer of the money from the CBN vaults to the private residence of the former President.

    In one particular instance over N70 billion was released in parts from the national treasury between January 8 and February 25, 2015. The over $289M which was also referenced last week by the Vice President is said to be included in this particular series of illegal transactions.

    in another illegal disbursement, the minutes of the Central Bank board meeting of 25th August 2014 indicated the board’s approval of another N60B requested by the former President and released later by the Central Bank.

    A Presidency source said the sum which was okayed by the CBN board was not tied to any project or procurement, and was meant and disbursed purely for campaign purposes, through the office of the then NSA and the SSS leadership at the time.

    Specifically that N60 billion that was okayed by the CBN on August 25, 2014 was said to have been shared between the two security agencies thus: N40B went to the NSA while N20 billion was released to the State Security Services (SSS).

    While some of these newly emerging fund disbursements have been traced to the former NSA, there are indications that some of the funds are unconnected to the ongoing Defence contract trials of the former NSA,while some might.

    It has now been revealed that the $289m mentioned by the Vice President was released on February 25, 2015.

    Documents including cash vouchers indicate that $289,202,382 was released in cash to the NIA by the Central Bank of Nigeria from the Joint Venture (JV) Cash Call Account No. 000-0000-11658-366 of the NNPC/NAPIMS with JP Morgan Chase Bank, New York, USA.

    At the exchange rate then of $199 to a naira, $289m is equivalent to about N60 billion. But had the money not been stolen, it would be at today’ s rate over N104B.

    Further findings showed that in yet another set of illegal fund withdrawals under one week between January 8 and 16, 2015, the sum of N1.5 billion was released in three tranches of N300m, N400m and N800m respectively.

    “This money was released from the MEA Research Library Account to the Jointrust Dimension reportedly owned by Danjuma Yusuf and Nenadi Esther Usman,” an official source with knowledge of the transaction disclosed.

    The source further said the sum was transferred to their various political associates, which included a former minister of aviation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode.

    Further findings showed that N350 million was allegedly transferred to Femi Fani-Kayode through his Zenith Bank Account No. 1004735721, on February 2, 2015.

    Also, another N250 million was allegedly transferred to Fani-Kayode through the same Zenith Bank Account on February 19, 2015.

    A document further showed that yet another N10 billion was released to the Office of the National Security Adviser by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on September 15, 2014.

    The money was said to have been released in tranches of foreign exchange of $47 million, $5 million, 4 million Euros and 1.6 million Euros.

    A letter from the Office of the NSA in November, 2014 further showed that the monies were released by the CBN as ‘funds for special services’.

    “Further to our discussion, you are pleased requested  to provide the sum of Forty Seven Million United States Dollars (USD47,000,000,00)cash out of the Ten Billion Naira (N10,000,000,000,00) and the balance in Euro to this office for special services,” a letter signed by the former NSA read.

    Findings have shown that this particular CBN release of N10B was sourced in November 2014 from a N40 Billion CBN released funds meant for Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR. It was this N10B that former President Jonathan instructed the CBN Governor and the then NSA to deliver to him personally in a private residence in Abuja. Sources said the money was illegally transferred using CBN van for the use of “PDP Presidential Primaries.”

  • Jonathan, governors, Niger Delta leaders for restructuring rally

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan, South-South governors and other Niger Delta leaders will on Saturday lead a mega rally to call for restructuring.

    The rally organised by Edwin Clark-led Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has been scheduled to hold in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.

    It was learnt that PANDEF with the rally tagged, “Restructuring the Nigerian Federation,” would insist that the country should be restructured before the 2019 general election.

    A statement signed by Chairman Publicity of the rally, Chief Thompson Okorotie, said prominent leaders such as Chief A.K. Horsfall and His Eminence, King Edmund Daukoru, the Amayanabo of Nembe, would lead the rally.

    Okorotie also said former President Jonathan, the six South-South governors and all former governors of the South-South, serving and former ministers, chairmen and members of boards and parastatals would grace the occasion.

    Others are all the current and former National Assembly members, all current and former Speakers and members of Houses of Assembly of the South-South.

    The statement also urged Afenifere, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Arewa Consultative Assembly, Middle Belt Forum, the clergy, traditional rulers, leaders and elders from across the nation, youth, women groups and the general public to attend the South-South rally.

    He said: “The governors, former president Jonathan, PANDEF leader, Chief Edwin Clark, some eminent Nigerians and leaders of ethnic nationalities, civil society groups are expected to deliver speeches at the rally.

    “Fellow Nigerians; let’s restructure now, tomorrow may be too late. A restructured Nigeria will guarantee a free, fair, egalitarian, united, peaceful and prosperous nation where everybody, irrespective of region, religion, creed and status will be happy.

    “We intend to use the rally to rally support for restructuring of Nigeria. The 2019 general election is a referendum on Restructuring.

    “We the people of Niger Delta/ South-South want the Nigerian federation to be restructured to enthrone true federalism before the 2019 general election and it is doable, all that is required is a political will on the part of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

    Read Also: Jonathan, IBB, Shagari absent at Council of State meeting

  • Jonathan seeks credible, peaceful elections, in Sierra Leone

    Jonathan seeks credible, peaceful elections, in Sierra Leone

    …Meets President Koroma, NEC, candidates, other stakeholders

    Ahead of Wednesday’s general elections in Sierra Leone, former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged the people of the West African nation to conduct peaceful and credible polls.

    The former President who is leader of the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) Observer Mission to the March 7 elections gave the advice while meeting with different stakeholders in Freetown.

    A statement by Jonathan’s media adviser Ikechukwu Eze said that Jonathan had met with Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma, chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) Mohammed Conteh, chairman of the Political Party Registration Council (PPRC) Justice Patrick Hamilton, some Presidential candidates as well as leaders of the international community, youth associations, media unions, security outfits and civil society organisations.

    Jonathan advised the stakeholders to ensure non-violent processes during the elections.

    He said “The need to sustain the peace that the good people of Sierra Leone have been enjoying since the end of the civil war.

    “As Africans we have to avoid the temptation of playing politics of desperation. It should be played without bitterness or rancor, with our mind focused on development and the welfare of our people.” he said

    He added that the Mission was in the country to support “the integrity of the electoral processes through diligent observation of the polling activities in line with the rules and code of conduct for international election observers.”

    While welcoming Jonathan to his office the PPRC boss Justice Hamilton thanked the former President for his roles and contributions to the growth of democracy in Sierra Leone.

    He said: “I believe that the reason you are here is to see that we have something similar to the credible and transparent elections you organized as President of Nigeria.”

    Speaking in the same vein, the Presidential Candidate of the main opposition party, Sierra Leonean Peoples Party (SLPP) Brig. Gen Julius Maada Bio (rtd), noted that the presence of Jonathan and other former African Presidents in Sierra Leone was an indication that democracy is on the rise on the continent.”

    Meanwhile the international election observation missions (IEOMs) present in Sierra Leone on Tuesday issued a joint statement urging the people of the country to ensure that these elections “are transparent, credible and conducted in accordance with prescribed laws and
    regulations.”

    The statement issued by Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), African Union (AU), The Commonwealth, Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA), European Union (EU), and The Carter Center (TCC) reads: “We recognise that the 2018 elections in Sierra Leone, the fourth since the end of the civil war, are critical to the maintenance of peace and stability in the country.

    Based on consultations with Sierra Leonean stakeholders over the past weeks, have noted the efforts of the National Electoral Commission, the Political Parties Registration Commission, the Judiciary, the Office of National Security, the Sierra Leone Police, civil society, the media and other key institutions towards the conduct of peaceful and transparent elections.

    “We call on the political leaders, parties and their supporters to ensure peaceful elections and respect for the rule of law as they go to the polls tomorrow (Wednesday) and through the results tallying process. Further urge them to uphold their commitments under the ‘Freetown Declaration’, which was signed by presidential candidates on 28 February 2018.

    “We further call on the NEC and party polling agents to conduct their duties in a professional manner, which would ensure that these elections are transparent, credible and conducted in accordance with prescribed laws and regulations.

    “We encourage candidates to accept the outcome of the elections in line with Article 9 of the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance (2001) and, in the event of complaints or disputes, encourage candidates to seek redress through legal channels
    whilst at all times refraining from acts of violence and intimidation.

    “We look to the government of Sierra Leone to uphold its constitutional obligations to provide a secure environment that guarantees the safety of candidates, voters, NEC officials and
    electoral materials. The missions urge the security agencies throughout the country to demonstrate professionalism and to enforce the law in a neutral and proportional manner. The different IEOMs have deployed over 250 international observers across the country to follow
    all aspects of Election Day and some will remain to observe the tallying process and post-election period.”

    Read Also: Search for unity begins in Jonathan’s home