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Tag: Jonathan

  • Nigerians were worried for PDP – Jonathan

    Nigerians were worried for PDP – Jonathan

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan said on Monday that Nigerians still have confidence in the capacity of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to lead the country.

    Jonathan stated this at the expanded National Caucus meeting of the party held at Wadata House, Abuja.

    He said Nigerians were worried that the party would go down.

    The ex-President said this confidence in the PDP was demonstrated with reactions by Nigerians to last Wednesday’s Supreme Court’s judgment on the party’s leadership crisis.

    He urged that efforts by PDP members and supporters within this period should be channelled towards building the party.

    Jonathan said: “Nigerians still believe in the PDP because when the Supreme Court judgment was given, I was so surprised because some of the people called and sent text messages to me.

    “They are not even politicians but they are so happy that PDP has come on stream because they were worried that PDP will go down.

    “So, if people who are not even members of PDP are so happy that PDP has now gotten a platform to operate despite the negative propaganda against us, it means people still believe in PDP.

    “PDP is a party that Nigerians still believe in.”

    He appealed to party members to rebuild it, assuring that many people who stepped aside from the party as a result of its leadership crisis would return.

    The ex-President added: “The first thing we need to do is to rebuild the party because when the party is strong, everything will be added to that.

    Whether you have individual or group interest, as a politician, you must serve. These are very basic things, but first and foremost, we must strengthen the party – Jonathan.

    “Let us cooperate with the Caretaker Committee and make sure that PDP is very cohesive. And when that happens, people who stepped aside may step back.

    “We may not even need to go on a voyage of discovery to discover people. But they, themselves will come back because a strong party acts like a magnet.

    “It will attract all the people that are interested.”

    The Chairman of the PDP National Caretaker Committee, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, said only a miracle would stop PDP from regaining power in 2019.

    Makarfi said the meeting was convened to chart the way forward for the party.

  • PDP: Supreme Court’s verdict excites Jonathan

    PDP: Supreme Court’s verdict excites Jonathan

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday joined other chieftains and stakeholders in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to celebrate the victory of the Ahmed Makarfi led Caretaker Committee at the Supreme Court.

    “I thank God for this day of justice and may God bless Nigeria,” Jonathan stated in a tweet.

    “The party that gave Nigeria the largest economy in Africa is a party whose heart is large enough to find a place for all Nigerians and a free market economy that provides a level playing ground for all PDP is an inclusive vehicle not an exclusive one.

    “We see Nigerians as human beings deserving of rule of law and separation of powers.”

    He urged members that left the PDP while the leadership crisis lasted to return to their natural home and build the party.

    “Thus they must take inspiration from Gen. Gowon and declare no victor no vanquished policy.

    “But as a moral victory of constitutionality over arbitrariness. As I congratulate the Ahmed Makarfi-led caretaker committee, I strongly urge them not to see this as a victory of a section of the party.

    “Today’s verdict is a judgement where there are no winners nor losers. It is a verdict that will bring our party together. I believe in our jurists.

    “We may have issues with some individuals but the Nigerian judiciary deserves respect and commendation. I congratulate my political party the PDP on the successful resolution of its leadership crisis by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”

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  • Maitama Sule was loved by all, says Jonathan

    Maitama Sule was loved by all, says Jonathan

    Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan yesterday in Kano described the late Dr. Yusuf Maitama Sule as a leader that was loved by all, irrespective of ethnic, religious and political affiliations.

    Jonathan who was in Kano to condole with Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammad Sanusi II and the people of Kano State over the death of the elder statesman said Maitama Sule contributed immensely to the economic and political development of the country.

    He urged Ganduje to continue to support Maitama Sule’s family, adding that he was a man of sterling qualities that endowed him into the mind of the people as nobody spoke ill of him till his death.

    “Continue to assist the family. Maitama Sule was among our great leaders who did not think about their pockets when they were in positions, they thought about the nation,” he added.

    According to him, “We have several statesmen, but Maitama Sule is one person that most of his talks are not centred on the issue of one section of the country or the other, on one reason or the other, most of his public utterances centred on Nigeria as a corporate body. So, he was somebody that is loved by so many people, or I will say, all, because I have never heard anybody who speaks ill of Maitama Sule.”

    He added that, “the late Maitama Sule is beyond Kano. We lost a great son of Kano State, he is a great son of Nigeria, and he was one person that played a key role in the development of this country, both in the political and economic growth of Nigeria, before independence and after independence.

    “He has served in all kinds of offices that one should serve, he has been a parliamentarian, he has been a minister, he has been an ambassador and not just an ambassador, and he was a Permanent Representative of this country to the United Nations.

    “He has done a lot to propel the growth of this country. But most important thing about him is not because he has the power of oratory or because he has served in several positions, but because he is a man that believed in the unity of his country. He was a man that advocated for good governance and believed that Nigerians should live peacefully together and propel the growth of this country.”

    Former President Jonathan said the late Maitama Sule was one of the pillars of his government, “when I became the Vice President, then later the President, I met and I have discussed with him on several occasions, I cannot remember the number of times, and any time we sit down to discuss, I learn so much from him. You gain a lot of inspiration and encouragement, because of his commitment to the corporate development and the unity of our country.”

    According to him, “we have lost a leader, we have lost a father dear to all of us, but he is from Kano and it is only proper for me to come and pay condolence to the great people of Kano through the governor, my great friend, thank you for what you are doing in Kano. I have always been briefed about your developmental strides in Kano.

    “Thank you for the role you have played about the burial of our great leader. Thank you for immortalizing his name by naming the North-West University after him. He merits it.

    “So, for people like you who have come at this time to play a key role in his last days on earth, we thank you sincerely. My brothers and sisters, on behalf of my delegation, I thank all of you for receiving us; this is my formal condolence letter to the great people of Kano state.”

    In his remarks, the state governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, thanked former President Jonathan for coming to pay condolence to himself, the Emir and Kano people over the demise of Maitama Sule.

    “This is not the first time you are here on issues affecting Kano; you have been here several times even after you vacated the seat of the presidency. So, there are no better words to appreciate your coming than to thank you and thank you very much. There is no doubt late Maitama Sule, Dan Massanin Kano, he was a great man, he was a man greater than the perception that he is a Kano man. He is even beyond Nigerian shores. If you listen to him carefully, if you listen to his stories, you will know that he is an African man.”

    Among those who accompanied Jonathan to Kano were former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, former Governor of Kano, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, former Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Bala Mohammed, former Minister of Internal Affairs, Abba Moro, former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Kabiru, among others.

  • Reps invite Jonathan over Malabu oil deal

    Reps invite Jonathan over Malabu oil deal

    … Ex-President must give evidence on oil deal – Lawmakers

    The House of Representatives on Wednesday insisted that former President Goodluck Jonathan must give evidence on his role in the controversial $1 billion Malabu Oil deal.

    A statement issued by the Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee probing the alleged corruption, malpractices and breach of process in the award of OPL 245, Hon. Razak Atunwa, said they would write the former President to come and defend himself on the allegations.

    The statement reads: “The Ad-hoc Committee on OPL 245 met to consider the progress of the Committee’s work and the next steps to be taken.

    “The Committee noted that it had conducted extensive investigation into the OPL 245 saga and that it is drawing to a close.

    “However, the Committee is of the view that in the interest of thoroughness, natural justice and fair play, it imperative that evidence should be taken from former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    In arriving at this decision, the Committee took account of the following facts:

    “Mr. Jonathan was the President at the material time the ministers brokered the deal that lead to the allegation of $1bn funds diversion.

    Mr. Jonathan’s name features in the proceedings initiated by the Public Prosecutor of Milan in Italy.

    “A UK court judgment in relation to an application to return part of the money being restrained, castigated the Jonathan administration as not having acted in the best interest of Nigeria in relation to the ‘deal’;

    “The Attorney-General of the Federation at the material time, Mohammed Bello Adoke, has recently instituted proceedings in court wherein he pleaded that all his actions were as instructed by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    “Accordingly, pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution, the Committee has decided to request that former President Goodluck Jonathan give evidence on his role in the matter. The Secretariat will write to him asking for his response and submissions.”

     

     

  • Jonathan mourns Suntai

    Jonathan mourns Suntai

    FORMER President Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with Governor Darius Ishaku and the people of Taraba State on the passage of former Taraba State Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai who died at the age of 56 years. He also conveyed his condolences to the family of the late Governor Suntai, describing him as a committed patriot who worked assiduously to advance the Nigerian project.

    This was contained in a statement issued by his media adviser Ikechukwu Eze. The ex-President, in a message of condolence to the deceased’s immediate family and the Government of Taraba State, said “I am deeply saddened by the death of former Governor of Taraba State, Mr Danbaba Suntai, who passed on at the age of 55 years. “He was a committed patriot, an astute politician and altruistic State Governor who worked assiduously to improve the lives of the good people of Taraba State.

    “Through his purposeful leadership and development strides, the late Suntai was able to establish an enviable governance paradigm that has continued to guide Taraba State towards its desired greatness. “As a democrat, the late Suntai etched his name in the annals of our democratic advancement by working courageously for the emergence and consolidation of the Fourth Republic. “Before venturing into politics Suntai acquitted himself as a highly committed practitioner who brought honour and glory to the pharmacy profession.

    “His good works as a dedicated family man, accomplished professional, selfless politician and great philanthropist would continue to live after him. “On behalf of my family, I convey our deepest sympathy to his family, the Government and good people of Taraba State, and the rest of the country. “May his soul find eternal repose in the bosom of the Almighty God.” he staytefy.

  • Suntai worked to advance Nigerian project – Jonathan

    Suntai worked to advance Nigerian project – Jonathan

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday commiserated with Governor Darius Ishaku and the people of Taraba State on the death of former governor of the state, Danbaba Danfulani Suntai.

    Suntai died in a United States hospital on Wednesday.

    He was 55.

    Jonathan, in a statement issued by his media adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, also conveyed his condolences to the family of the late former governor, describing him as a committed patriot who worked assiduously to advance the Nigerian project.

    He said: “I am deeply saddened by the death of former Governor of Taraba State, Mr. Danbaba Suntai, who passed on at the age of 55 years.

    “He was a committed patriot, an astute politician and altruistic State Governor who worked assiduously to improve the lives of the good people of Taraba State.

    “Through his purposeful leadership and development strides, the late Suntai was able to establish an enviable governance paradigm that has continued to guide Taraba State towards its desired greatness.

    “As a democrat, the late Suntai etched his name in the annals of our democratic advancement by working courageously for the emergence and consolidation of the Fourth Republic.

    “Before venturing into politics Suntai acquitted himself as a highly committed practitioner who brought honour and glory to the pharmacy profession.

    “His good works as a dedicated family man, accomplished professional, selfless politician and great philanthropist would continue to live after him.

    “On behalf of my family, I convey our deepest sympathy to his family, Government and good people of Taraba State, and the rest of the country.

    “May his soul find eternal repose in the bosom of the Almighty God.”

     

  • Jonathan hails Adesina over World Food prize

    Jonathan hails Adesina over World Food prize

    Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, over his emergence as 2017 World Food Prize laureate, describing him as a man of exceptional work ethic.

    Jonathan said Adeshina was the man who transformed agriculture in Nigeria by introducing several innovations that changed the face of farming, boosted the capacity of farmers and expanded the nation’s ability to feed herself.

    The ex- President’s Media Adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, said in a statement that Jonathan sent a letter of goodwill to the ex- Minister of Agriculture and noted that during Adesina’s years as minister, staple food prices remained stable, even in the face of serious challenges like the devastating floods of 2012 and the “difficulties occasioned by global economic recession.”

    The letter reads:

    “I wish to most sincerely congratulate you for your emergence as the World Food Prize Laureate for the year 2017.

    “I am not surprised that such a highly prized honour has been conferred on you, given your outstanding and exemplary performance as my former Minister of Agriculture.

    “I must state that I have met many men in my years on earth, but few have the intellect and the exceptional work ethic you possess.

    “During your years as Nigeria’s agriculture minister and driver of my administration’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA), you introduced several innovations like the e-wallet fertilizer and seed distribution system which cut out the middle man, eliminated corruption and expanded Nigeria’s ability to feed herself.

    “You oversaw a programme that reduced our food import bill by almost 50 per cent, and working with others in my administration, you helped Nigeria become one of only a handful of nations in the world to reasonably reduce hunger levels between 2011-2015, according to the International Food Policy Research Institute.

    “Under your guidance, Nigeria came out of the devastating floods of 2012 without a famine. I am always delighted by the fact that within that period, and throughout the period of our administration, staple food prices remained stable, even with the difficulty occasioned then by global economic recession.

    “I believe that these accomplishments and other laudable achievements you recorded in your continuing service to humanity, set you apart as the most deserving candidate for this award.

    “I am proud of you, Akin. Please accept my congratulations on behalf of my family, and all those who served with me during my administration.”

     

  • ‘Don’t drag Jonathan into IPOB agitation’

    ‘Don’t drag Jonathan into IPOB agitation’

    The Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council (OBYC) yesterday warned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, to stop “dragging honourable men like former President Goodluck Jonathan into his directionless agitation for a sovereign state’.

    The OBYC, in a statement signed by its National President, Dr. Laguo Gilbert, on Monday in Abuja, described Kanu’s statements as most unfortunate and, therefore, advised the public to disregard them.

    “Such radical statements remain one of the reasons why the IPOB agitation lacks its required substance.

    “The OBYC however advises Mr. Kanu to learn from the mistakes made by the group in the past and its predecessor, as this will be necessary to implement its vision,” the statement said.

    He maintained that bringing Jonathan into Biafra issues in such caviling manner would not help or give credence to its deep-rooted rancour.

    The IPOB leader had reportedly chided the former president for not completing the East-West road and for doing nothing for his people.

    He had described the former president as weak and incompetent.

    “I love Yar’Adua and Shehu Shagari. Patience Jonathan would have made a better President than Goodluck,” Kanu said.

  • Alleged $40m contract scam: Court to resume Jonathan’s cousin’s trial July 7

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled July 7 for the resumption of proceedings in the trial of a cousin to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Robert Azibaola.

    Azibaola, his wife, Stella and a firm linked with them – One Plus Holdings – are accused, among others, of diverting $40 million transferred from the account of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to the domiciliary account of One Plus Holdings, purportedly for the supply of “tactical communication kits for special forces”.

    Proceedings were cut short on Friday, when, mid-way into trial, lead prosecuting lawyer, Sylvanus Tahir, sought the court’s permission to attend to another case in another court.

    At the start of proceedings, Tahir invited the prosecution’s 10th witness, David Nkpe, an investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), who gave details of his investigation of the case.

    Nkpe said analysis of documents relating to One Plus Holdings Nigeria Ltd showed that the firm received $40 million from ONSA, following which investigation was extended to ONSA to ascertain why the payment was made.

    The witness said: “EFCC wrote to ONSA to avail them with documents regarding the payment mandate and the reply came. The payment for that particular mandate was for the ‘supply of tactical communication kits for special forces’.

    “We investigated the utilisation of the funds and discovered that the funds were transferred to other companies, including bureau de change and some of the funds transferred offshore to countries like London and United Arab Emirates.”

    On who the beneficiaries of the transferred funds were, the witness said: “There were several of them, but I remember that $6.6 mmillion was transferred to a company called Karahyna between October 2014 and April 2015, which was specifically done in eight tranches.

    “I also recall that the sum of $1.5 million was transferred to Reya Telecommunication’ which is a company under One Plus Holdings group.

    “Another sum of $1.493 million was transferred to Kakatar El Ltd, which is also a company under One Plus Holdings. A sum of $2 million was transferred to Capitafield Investment Ltd and another $330,000 transferred to a company called Teledom.

    “Most of the companies that received the money did not supply any goods,” Nkpe said.

    He said credit balance in the 3rd defendant’s account (One Plus Holdings’) before the $40 million was paid into it was $17,277.50.

    Nkpe said further analysis of the account on September 9, 2014, showed that the $40 million was the only major inflow into the account and from the time of receipt, and that all the transactions in the account were outflows, which is the distribution of the $40 million.

    Tahir later tendered documents, including petition from the ONSA to EFCC as exhibit ASO 16 (1&2); search warrant dated March 23, 2016; two power of attorney as exhibit ASO 18a &18b; deed of assignment as exhibit ASO 19a, 19b, 19c; transfer mandate from One Plus Holdings to Zenith Bank as ASO 20 (1-39); the two statement of the first defendant dated March 23 & 24, 2016 marked as exhibit ASO 21a & ASO 21b.

    The defence team, led by Chris Uche (SAN), objected to the admission of the documents, arguing among others, that they (the documents) were not listed in the proof of evidence and served on the defendants as required.

    Trial judge, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba later stood the case down for one hour to enable the prosecution furnish the defendants with copies of the documents it sought to tender.

    When proceedings later resumed, Tahir sought the court’s permission to attend to another case in another court.

    Tahir said: “My Lord, I am in a difficult situation again just as I was on Wednesday and I need your authorisation to leave this matter and attend to another one in another court.”

    Although Justice Dimgba later granted Tahir’s request, he (the judge) wondered why the prosecution did not come prepared to go on with the case after two adjournments in a week.

    He subsequently adjourned to July 7.

  • Jonathan’s godson threatens EFCC with N10bn suit

    Jonathan’s godson threatens EFCC with N10bn suit

    George Turnah, the embattled godson of former President Goodluck Jonathan, has written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) claiming he was innocent of allegations of corruption leveled against him by the commission.

    Turner, who is in prisons custody, gave EFCC seven days to pay him N100m compensation and tender public apology to him for what he described as a media trial that had tarnished his image.

    At the expiration of the ultimatum, Turnah, in the letter dated May 30, threatened to slam N10bn defamation suit on the commission.

    Also, Turner, in the letter by Amuda Kannike (SAN) & Co signed by O.N. Anugbum, denied getting multiple contracts from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    He urged the NDDC to release details of the contracts and make clarifications on the alleged jobs he secured such as the building of Ogbia Brotherhood Village and electrification of Ogbia, but failed to execute them.

    Relying on the Freedom of Information Act, the 33-year-old, whose properties had been placed on temporary forfeiture by EFCC, appealed to NDDC to make public details of the projects.

    He demanded names of the companies that got the projects, the scope of the job, monetary valuations of the said contracts, and amount of money released so far to the contractors.

    Turnah insisted that Mr. Ishaq Salihu, Zonal Head of EFCC, South South, made defamatory statements and publication against him.

    He said that Salihu, on May 23 at the zonal headquarters of EFCC in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, addressed a group of protesters accusing him of contributing to the under development of Niger Delta by receiving and refusing to execute a number of projects from NDDC.

    The letter reads: “In the light of the foregoing and in the spirit of second chance, we have our client’s instructions to give you an ultimatum of seven days from the receipt/ date of this letter to issue an apology in three national dailies, your facebook page, two widely read blog sites and payment of N100million naira compensatory damage to avoid a N10 billion naira defamation suit”.

    Turner also sent a similar letter to a blogger claiming that his Facebook publications misrepresented the matter and lowered his reputation in the eyes of the public.

    He demanded similar compensation from the blogger threatening to initiate a similar N10bn law suit against him.

    Turnah, who is facing trial over allegations of corrupt enrichment, has filed applications seeking bail and reversal of an interim order of forfeiture of his properties issued by the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt.