Tag: Jonathan

  • Jonathan’s former Chief of Staff, Arogbofa dies

    Jonathan’s former Chief of Staff, Arogbofa dies

    General Jones Arogbofa who served as Chief of Staff to former President Goodluck Jonathan, is dead.

    He was 72.

    Arogbofa reportedly died on Saturday though the family is yet to issue any statement as of the time of filing this report.

    But founder of Silverbird Group, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, confirmed the news  via X on Saturday.

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    He tweeted: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Brigadier General Jones Oladeinde Arogbofa (Rtd), the former Chief of Staff to former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    “He was a dear friend. His wisdom, integrity, and dedication to Nigeria will forever be remembered. A true hero has left us, but his legacy endures. Rest in peace, dear friend.”

  • Ex-president Jonathan to commission 40 mw Kashimbilla dam, airport

    Ex-president Jonathan to commission 40 mw Kashimbilla dam, airport

    Former president Goodluck Jonathan is expected to officially commission the 40 megawatts Kashimbilla Dam and an airport in Takum, Taraba state.

    A statement by the spokesman to the Taraba state governor, Emmanuel Bello, indicated that the commissioning would take place on February 23.

    Bello said: “The dam which has an installed capacity of 40 megawatts is seen as a massive boost to electricity in the state, especially the southern parts which include Takum, Donga, Ussa, and Ibi. Neighbouring states are also gearing up to benefit from the project.”

    He also said that the two landmark projects, when launched, are expected to have a “tremendous impact” on the lives of the citizens.

    Bello further added that apart from generating electricity, the dam will be used for irrigation purposes while an airport and a three-star hotel will be used for cargo transportation and tourism.

    Read Also: Speaker Abbas condoles Jonathan over sister’s death

    He stated: “The chairman of the visiting panel that toured the projects, Dr Emmanuel Lawson, said the dam is not just about electricity but also for irrigation purposes and the supply of water in the area.

    He added that the Kashimbilla airport will make it the second one in the state with huge potential for cargo transportation. 

    He stressed that the economic benefits to Taraba state and its environs are beyond quantifying. 

    “Consequently, a three-star hotel would also be built around the dam to enhance the tourism aspect of the dam.”

    A high-powered committee for the event has already been set up by the Taraba state governor, Agbu Kefas, which is to be chaired by the chief of staff to the governor, Jeji Williams. 

    The committee’s terms of reference is to organize a befitting launching event in the coming weeks, the statement further stated.

  • Speaker Abbas condoles Jonathan over sister’s death

    Speaker Abbas condoles Jonathan over sister’s death

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has condoled former President Goodluck Jonathan over the death of his elder sister, Madam Obebhatein Jonathan.

    The speaker described as painful, the death of one’s sister, noting that the late Madam Obebhatein would be remembered for her dedication and sacrifice to mankind.

    Read Also: Tinubu condoles Jonathan over sister’s death

    Speaker Abbas urged ex-president Jonathan to take solace in the fact that Madam Obebhatein, aged 70, lived a fulfilling and impactful life as a teacher, businesswoman, and Christian leader in her lifetime.

    The speaker prayed to God to grant the Jonathan family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. He also prayed for a peaceful resting place for Madam Obebhatein.

  • Tinubu condoles Jonathan over sister’s death

    Tinubu condoles Jonathan over sister’s death

    President Bola Tinubu has sympathized with former President Goodluck Jonathan over the death of his elder sister, Madam Obebhatein Jonathan.

    Madam Obebhatein, fondly called Amissi, was a teacher, businesswoman, mother, and grandmother.

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    The president in a statement on Friday, January 12, issued by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, urged Jonathan to take solace in the legacy of Amissi, who dedicated her life to the service of God and humanity.

    The president prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed and comfort for all those who mourn this painful loss.

  • Jonathan loses elder sister

    Jonathan loses elder sister

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has lost his elder sister, Madam Obebhatein Jonathan.

    She died yesterday at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State after a brief illness

    She was 70.

    A statement issued to reporters by the Special Adviser on Media to Jonathan, Mr Ikechukwu Eze, said the deceased, popularly called Amissi, was a retired teacher, businesswoman, loving mother and grandmother, who lived a dedicated life of service to God and humanity.

    The statement said she was a devout Christian, a virtuous woman and a role model to many within and outside her community.

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    It said the burial had been scheduled for February 16, 2024, adding that details of the funeral rites would be announced by the family.

    Obebhatein is survived by three children, siblings, including former President Jonathan and her mother, Mama Eunice Afeni-Jonathan.

  • JUST IN: Former President Jonathan loses elder sister

    JUST IN: Former President Jonathan loses elder sister

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has lost his elder sister, Madam Obebhatein Jonathan.

    Obebhatein passed away on Thursday, January 11, at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State after a brief illness

    She was aged 70.

    In a statement issued to newsmen by Special Adviser on Media to Jonathan, Mr Ikechukwu Eze noted that the deceased, popularly known as Amissi, was a retired teacher, businesswoman, loving mother, and grandmother who lived a dedicated life of service to God and humanity.

    Read Also: Goodluck Jonathan: Model of democracy and peace

    She was a devout Christian, a virtuous woman, and a role model to many within and outside her community.

    The statement also indicated that the burial had been scheduled for Tuesday, February 16, 2024, stressing that the details of the funeral rites would be announced by the family.

    Obebhatein is survived by three children, siblings, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, and her mother Mama Eunice Afeni-Jonathan.

  • I have no apologies for supporting Diri’s re-election, says Jonathan

    I have no apologies for supporting Diri’s re-election, says Jonathan

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that he owes no one apologies for supporting the re-election of Bayelsa state governor Douye Diri in the state’s November 11, 2023, off-cycle governorship poll.

    Jonathan also said it was the right thing to do as Diri supported most of the Bayelsa people to continue in office.

    He made the assertion yesterday during the Yuletide visit of the governor and a high-powered delegation to his residence in Yenagoa, the state capital.

    According to a statement by Diri’s chief press secretary, Daniel Alabrah, the wife of the former President, Dame Patience Jonathan, was also on hand to receive the governor and his entourage.

    Jonathan explained that he publicly endorsed Diri’s candidature during the campaigns because of his visionary leadership demonstrated in handling the affairs of the state.

    According to him, the governor deserved to be re-elected for his developmental efforts, particularly for ensuring peace and stability in the state.

    He said: “I did what l did during the governorship election and l have no apologies to anybody because l know that the governor and his team were doing very well, especially in the area of peace and stability of the state. At a time, l became very worried.

    “I have not said others did not do well. After all, l was also governor for a little less than one and a half years and also had my challenges.

    “Since Diri came on board, the excesses of cult groups, particularly in Yenagoa, has reduced reasonably. If we must move forward, first and foremost, we must handle the issue of security in order to attract investors. I saw that the governor and his team have a vision and he needed to be encouraged to do another four-year term.”

    Jonathan charged the governor to do more to meet the high expectations of the massive support base for his Prosperity Administration, adding that “to whom much is given, much is expected.”

    In his response, Douye Diri expressed appreciation to the former President for his support and endorsement, which contributed to the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) victory at the poll.

    Diri said: “Your endorsement of a sitting governor was more than billions of naira. And so having secured that endorsement, we were very sure of victory. We are here to say a big thank you as that has brought stability in the state.

    Read Also: Goodluck Jonathan: Model of democracy and peace

    “So, with the peace and security we have in our state, Bayelsa is ready for private investors to come in.”

    He expressed the optimism that Jonathan would have more roles to play in reconciling people in the country and the African continent to ensure peace and development.

    Diri also thanked President Bola Tinubu for ensuring a peaceful, free, and credible election in the state.

    Dignitaries who accompanied the governor on the visit were National Assembly members such as Senator Konbowei Benson (Bayelsa Central Senatorial District), Hon. Fred Agbedi (Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency), Rodney Ambaowei (Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency) and Oforji Oboku (Kolokuma/Opokuma/Yenagoa Federal Constituency).

    Others were Senator Nimi Barigha-Amange, one-time Chief Whip, House of Representatives, Ishiaku Bawa, Secretary to the State Government, Alabo Gideon Ekeuwei, and state executive council members.

  • Obasanjo, Jonathan, Sanwo-Olu, others hail Uzochukwu over luxury brand launch

    Obasanjo, Jonathan, Sanwo-Olu, others hail Uzochukwu over luxury brand launch

    African leaders and dignitaries from across the globe stormed the Lagos VI last Saturday for the grand opening of the most trended luxury brand ‘The Delborough Lagos’, as described by global tourists recently.

    Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan as well as Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, took the lead in separate remarks to  describe the young Dr Stanley Uzochukwu, who owns the luxury brand, as a true model to young Nigerians, in particular, and Africans at large.

    In his remarks during the commissioning on Saturday, Obasanjo said, “I don’t have anything to say other than to say, keep doing what you are doing. 

    “I heard the Governor of Lagos State saying that you’re working together. He is helping you and you are helping him and that’s what it should be – the private sector and public sector should work together for the development of the land. It shouldn’t be the other way round. 

    “God that has given you the ability, the resource, the enablement to put this up, will give you the ability and the enablement to build the one that is bigger and greater than this. Thank you very much.”

    On his part, former President Jonathan said: “Stanley came to see me when I was a president. When he interacted with me on his vision, I told him: young man, with this your vision, I want to make young Nigerians billionaires and you should be one of them. 

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    “Somehow, it’s like a vision and he carried on with it and today he invited me to be here to commission this luxury brand. 

    “Stanley, you have done well! I appreciate what you’re doing. You are a good example of what we want our young men and women to do. 

    “In short, the whole world today is controlled by very young people. The economy today is not the one that you have to use your muscle but your brain. 

    ‘So if you think positively, you can become the richest person in the world today. The multi billionaires today in the world are below 40 and 45 years old. 

    “Stanley here is comfortable, providing jobs for people. He can move freely without looking at his back to see if police and even SSS is following him. 

    “So we plead with our young boys; the brain you have, your level of intelligence you have that is making you to go through dubious ways to make money, that same brain and level of intelligence can make you make money positively and you will leave in decent society happily.

    “Please, I want young Nigerians to emulate Stanley Uzochukwu! We are here because he is clean and is doing well creating jobs for people but not bringing image problems to this country, he added.

    Gov. Sanwo-Olu also corroborated the former Presidents, saying, “When Stanley and I met, not only the connection becomes instant, but Stanley is a young man that’s well brought up. 

    “We have a conversation that I was truly impressed with him – his humane, his humbleness, his clarity and his set of what he wants to achieve is fundamental and I want to believe that, indeed, if we want to begin to talk of role models in our country, Stanley is, indeed, a clear example of a Nigerian role model than all of us; giving the array of Nigerians that are here and giving the array of Nigerian Senior Citizens that are here to witness this event.

    “You can see that they didn’t come because they just wanted to come and look at the beautiful brand, they came here because a young Nigerian is doing something that is unique, that’s great, that is elegant, that we all can identify with and it is a brand that we can all leave here and say that truly we are blessed in Nigeria.”

    Notable Nigerians at the inauguration ceremony include a formal Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; the Emir of Kano, HRH, Dr Aminu Ado Bayero; Igwe of Onitsha Kingdom and the chairman of the The Delborough Board, HRM Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe; Chief (Dr) Mike Ozekhome (SAN); Prof Lilian Orogbo.

    Others were Olu of Warri,  His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, Senator Daisy Danjuma and other local and international dignitaries, too many to mention.

  • PHOTOS: Former President Jonathan visits APC National Chairman

    PHOTOS: Former President Jonathan visits APC National Chairman

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has visited the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, in his Abuja residence.

    Photos from the visit were shared on the APC X page on Friday.

  • PDP knocks APC over attack on Jonathan

    PDP knocks APC over attack on Jonathan

    Bayelsa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lambasted the All Progressives Congress (APC) for attacking former President Goodluck Jonathan over personal comments he made during a visit to Governor Douye Diri last Friday.

    The state Publicity Secretary, PDP, Mr. Ebiye Ogoli, in a statement yesterday, accused the APC of twisting the former president’s comments in order to pour out its frustrations after losing the November 11 governorship election.

    Ogoli said: “For clarity, His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, while congratulating the Governor during the visit, had said: ‘I told myself that if Diri loses this election, I might consider moving my mother to Abuja’.”

    The PDP spokesman, therefore, wondered how in an election contested by candidates of 16  parties, the APC had to misappropriate Jonathan’s comment as if it was directed at the party or its candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva.

    Ogoli said: “For emphasis, the former President never mentioned the APC or its candidate throughout the visit.

    “Since his forthright comment appeared in the media, the APC and its array of faceless, contemptible, lick-spittle groups have been inconsolable, acting like a forcefully weaned baby.

    “Placed in proper context, Dr. Jonathan’s comment alluded to and reflected the peace, security and stability that Bayelsa State has witnessed under the Governor Diri administration, which is a fact generally acknowledged by residents of the state.

    “The Bayelsa APC so-called leaders and groups, who are actually lackeys of the party’s governorship candidate, continue to make themselves a laughing stock for their intemperate and disrespectful tirades against Nigeria’s icon of democracy.

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    “If anyone is suffering any sort of frustration or mental crisis, it is the Bayelsa APC and its candidate that are yet to come to terms with the shellacking they got on November 11.

    “We advise them to lick their wound with some decorum and not misdirect their anger towards an innocent statesman who spoke truth from his heart.

    “Even beyond Bayelsa, the violent character and disposition of the Bayelsa APC leaders and their candidates in the last election is well-known and documented.”

    He said that if ‘Bayelsans’ had any fear, it was that the state might return to the infamous days of Famou Tangbe, cultism, cult wars and attack on political opponents etc. if Governor Diri was not re-elected.

    Ogoli added: “So, the electorate were not only determined to protect their votes, but to also ensure that the governor was returned to Creek Haven. The final result was the true reflection of the mindset of ‘Bayelsans’ and what they indeed wanted. The outpouring of celebration and congratulatory messages equally confirmed this. We wonder why Sylva and his cohorts quarrel with this truth.

    “Our party again takes this opportunity to appreciate former President Jonathan for his gracious endorsement and unflinching support for our candidate as well as the Bayelsa people for standing behind the PDP and the Prosperity Administration. “