Tag: Goodluck Jonathan

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Jonathan recommends registrar for political parties to curb indiscipline

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has recommended the establishment of an independent office for the Registrar of Political Parties to tackle what he described as a “growing crisis of political party indiscipline.”

Jonathan made the recommendation at the public presentation of the National Action Plan for Electoral Reforms, organised by the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, on wednesday in Abuja. He was represented at the event by Ms. Ann Iyonu, the executive director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation.

He said that although Nigeria has made notable progress since its return to democratic rule in 1999, its electoral system still faces significant challenges. Jonathan added that if the country is truly committed to democracy, citizens must be bold enough to reform the process to reflect the will of the people and the principles of justice, accountability, and inclusion.

He said that political parties, which should serve as the foundation of democracy, had become vulnerable to instability and opportunism.

“We have seen a disturbing rise in the practice of cross-carpeting, elected officials defecting from the parties under which they were elected, often without ideological justification or accountability to the electorate.

“To remedy this, we should strongly consider the establishment of an independent office of the registrar of political parties, charged with regulating party operations, promoting internal democracy and enforcing party discipline.

“This is a proposal I had put forward on another occasion, but I believe it is good to re-emphasise it at a forum like this.

“During my assignment as an election observer in the last decade, I have seen this work effectively in some countries including Kenya and Malawi.

“Crucially, the office should have the power to declare the seat of any defector vacant. This reform would affirm the principle that the electoral mandate belongs to the people and not to individual ambition,” Jonathan said.

The former president also proposed a new process for appointing the chairman of the Independent National Commission (INEC), suggesting the creation of an independent screening and nomination mechanism.

Jonathan said that the credibility of elections rested heavily on the neutrality and competence of the INEC.

“So many questions have continued to be raised on the propriety of the process of appointing the INEC chairman.

“Many countries in the course of their democratic journey had found the need to reform the process.

“I believe that Nigeria can also improve the process by establishing an independent screening and nomination mechanism, comprising representatives from the judiciary, civil societies, academia and professional bodies.

“This body would be tasked with vetting and recommending a shortlist of qualified candidates, from which the president may appoint the chairman.

“This reform will reduce perceptions of bias, promote public trust in INEC and enhance the legitimacy of its decisions,” he said.

Jonathan also proposed reforms to conclude all post-election litigations, especially those relating to the final outcomes of elections, before the swearing-in of elected officials.

He said that the current practice of having candidates with unresolved cases assume office, only to be potentially removed later by courts, creates confusion and undermines governance.

“We must adopt a framework that compels the timely resolution of electoral disputes, possibly with specially designated election tribunals and timelines that align with the electoral calendar.

“Justice delayed in elections is justice denied, not just for the candidates, but for the electorate,” Jonathan said.

Jonathan, while commending the Abuja school for its deep commitment to driving conversations around democratic development, thought leadership and institutional reforms in the country, called for more patriotism to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.

“Let us confront our democratic weaknesses with honesty and reform our system with courage.

“Let us continue to work together to build a Nigeria where elections are credible, leaders are accountable and democracy truly delivers for the people,” Jonathan said.

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Tinubu worked for my husband to emerge President in 2011 – Patience Jonathan

Jonathan and Tinubu

Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has said that President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Remi Tinubu, worked for his husband, Goodluck Jonathan during the race to become President in 2011.

As a result, she said, she believes in the Tinubu presidency and will work for him in 2027.

This is coming against the backdrop of rumours that former President Jonathan will return into the ring in two years’ time.

Patience Jonathan ruled out any return to Aso Rock Villa, saying she believed political leadership should be turn by turn.

As ‘The Punch’ reports, the ex-First Lady, known for her candid views, disclosed this while acknowledging the President’s daughter and Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, after receiving the Women Icon Leader of the Year award from Accolade Dynamics Limited in Abuja on Saturday night.

She said, “I was supposed to call her first, but I saved her for last: the daughter of our wonderful President, the President of Nigeria, the one and only we believe in — President Bola Tinubu. Iyaloja, thank you for standing with women because these are your women. Carry them along; they are with you.

“All the way, we are with you. No shaking. We will follow. Direct us, and we will follow.  Because there is only one president at a time. We don’t have two presidents. I am outspoken — if I don’t like something, I will say it. But if I like something, I die for it.

“I believe in one president. I believe in turn-by-turn. When it’s your turn, I will support you. When it’s not your turn, step back—so that the country can move forward.”

Speaking further, she said she has a longstanding relationship with Remi Tinubu that predates their time in Aso Rock.

She insisted that rather than return to Aso Rock, she would support the First Lady and her husband.

She said, “I didn’t just know her (Senator Oluremi Tinubu) just because she’s the First Lady, no. We worked together. We worked as a group.

“We are groups. We worked when I was a deputy governor’s wife. We worked when I was a governor’s wife. I know her. I talked with Oluremi. Even when my husband was the vice president, Oluremi stood with her husband and supported us during our first election. They supported us. So, for me, I have a conscience. I cannot abandon my friend, whether you like it or not.

“Because, you see, this is turn by turn. Today is my turn—I will go. Tomorrow, it will be another person’s turn—then we go. And when we go, will we still meet? Where will we meet? I don’t know.

“I stand by my friend. My friend is great. I told her I would campaign with her. I’m not denying her. I’m not running. I’m not going back to the villa. If you call me, I will not go.

“I say it every day. Don’t you like how young I look? People say, “Mama, you are young, you are young!” it is because I have rest of mind, yes. I don’t want to go there—let my friend be there. Let me also “wahala” her the way she used to “wahala” me when I was there! Let me also tease her. And until she comes out, she will be young. But for now, she won’t be young. ”

She also threw her weight behind the 35 per cent affirmative action for women in governance, lamenting the repeated rejection of gender equality bills by the National Assembly.

“During Obasanjo’s time, we worked for it, and the Executive approved 35 per cent. My husband also maintained it. But when it comes to elective positions, the men dominate and shut us out. May God touch their hearts to understand that we are their mothers, sisters, and friends. We are not trying to take power from them—we are trying to support them.”

Jonathan described the honour as a recognition of collective efforts in the advancement of women’s health and economic well-being.

She said, “I am deeply humbled to receive this prestigious Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award. I accept this honour not just as a personal recognition, but as a testament to the tireless efforts of countless women and men who have worked alongside me to promote good health and economic development for women in Nigeria and beyond.”

She highlighted the work of her NGOs—Aurora Richard Foundation and Women for Change and Development Initiative—which have empowered thousands of women and youth through skill acquisition programmes and supported children with critical health conditions requiring surgeries abroad.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and CEO of Accolade Dynamics, Ms. Dofan Chizaram described the night as a tribute to both men and women who have significantly impacted Nigeria and the African continent through leadership, mentorship, and community development.

“This night is about celebrating the legends who have uplifted women and the broader community. We want to acknowledge their value while they are still with us,” Tor said.

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POLITICS

Jonathan to Fubara: Nobody becomes a General without fighting wars

Suspended Gov Siminalayi Fubara

 

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has sought to inspire Rivers State Governor,  Siminalayi Fubara, to trudge on as he battles adversity with his estranged mentor, Nyesom Wike.

Jonathan does not want him to look back as he says no one becomes a General without fighting wars,

As ‘The Punch’ reports, this is even as Fubara accepted the chieftaincy title of the Dike Oha 1 of Etche land, bestowed on him by the Supreme Council of Etche Traditional Rulers, saying it is now public acknowledgement from the heart of Etche and Ikwerre nations that he enjoys strong support of the people.

 

Fubara and Jonathan [Credit: X | #SimFubaraKSC]

The duo spoke at the first Etche Festival of Food, Art and Culture Exhibition held in the Nihi Community, Etche Local Government Area of the state, on Sunday, during the 10th Anniversary of the coronation of the Onye Ishi Agwuru III of Ulakwo-Umuselem in Etche, Eze Nwala.

The former president, who was also conferred with the traditional title of Eze Udo 1 of Etche, pleaded with Rivers people to ensure they continue to support the governor.

“But this is the first time you are holding a top political office. You will pass through a lot, and just know that nobody becomes a general without fighting wars.

“So, whatever challenges you are meeting now is baking you to be a general in politics. And with your total commitment and with the support I have seen from the people of Rivers State, God will surely see you through,” he said.

He emphasised the position that the state occupies in the Niger Delta region and warned that whatever happens to it negatively will impact the entire country in the long run.

“We want a peaceful Rivers State because Rivers State is the centre of the Niger Delta. And I always make it very clear: if we create serious perturbation in Rivers State, we are creating a crisis in the Niger Delta, which is not good for our economy as a nation.

“We want a peaceful Rivers State. We want the governor of Rivers State to be allowed to remain calm and do his work. After he finishes serving, another person will take over.

“In political office, we have tenures. And so, we don’t need to kill ourselves over any political office. Allow those who are there to do their work, and after that, anything can happen,” Jonathan added,

 

Jonathan, Nwala and Fubara [Credit: X | #SimFubaraKSC]

The former president commended the monarch for the success he has achieved during his 10-year reign and the commitment of the Etche people to farming activities that have reckoned the place as the food basket of the state.

In his remark, Fubara expressed delight over the bestowment of the chieftaincy title, adding that his administration would continue to provide projects and social services that would improve the standard of living of the people.

He stated that his administration has awarded contracts for the reconstruction of roads in the Egwi, Afara and Mba communities in Etche.

“But for today, I want to assure you, that your support is well appreciated, and in return, we will continue to do our best to lift your faces before the people who believe that you made a mistake in supporting us.

“Let me thank our father (Dr Jonathan) for coming to grace this occasion. It is not just for the celebrant being close to him. This goes to show that he is a very simple man, who believes that humanity is the most priceless thing you can give to anybody. Coming here to celebrate with the Etche people is a sign of humility. So, I want to thank you for coming.

“He has stood with me in this most difficult period of our administration. So, the little I can do is to come to wait for him, to receive him and to share in this honour,” the governor said.

In his appreciation speech, the monarch said the journey on the throne has been full of memorable milestones, including advancing physical development in Etche land.

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Help pray for my mother – Jonathan cries out after losing 8 siblings

Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on Nigerians to pray for his mother, Eunice Jonathan, who has lost eight of her children.

He made the call on Friday during the funeral service of his elder sister, Obebhatein Jonthan, at the Dame Patience Jonathan Square, Otuoke in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

Obebhatein died on Jan. 11 after a brief illness. She was aged 70.

Jonathan, now the only surviving son of his mother, encouraged Nigerians to pray for her, saying since the death of his sister, the woman had not been the same again.

He thanked Nigerians who came for the burial.

On his part, Dogood Qkpufu, second son of the deceased, urged women to emulate his mother.

He recalled that his mother was determined to be a graduate and achieved that which qualified her to be a teacher.

Mrs Omonibele Azibanyeluan, daughter of the Obebhatein, on her part, said that her mother lived a simple life and was very generous.

“She was a good woman, peaceful, patient and God-fearing,” she said.

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Revealed: How Kenneth Kaunda prophesied my emergence as president– Jonathan

Former President Jonathan inaugurates longest bridge in A’Ibom
Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has revealed how late Kenneth Kaunda in 2006 prophesied his emergence as Nigeria president.

Jonathan gave the revelation in a speech he delivered at the 2nd Kenneth Kaunda Memorial Public Lecture on Saturday in Pretoria, South Africa.

It is titled ‘Kenneth Kaunda’s Lessons For Humanity’.

Kaunda, who was the first President of Zambia who served from 1964 to 1991, also known as KK, died on June 17, 2021.

Jonathan said this in the statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

He said though he was then Governor of Bayelsa State, he never had the dream of becoming Nigerian president as at that time.

He recalled that during his time as Bayelsa Governor in 2006, he invited Kaunda to the state because of their shared interest in the protection of their people against HIV/AIDS.

He recalled with relish the impressive pace displayed by Kaunda, then aged 82 years, at the symbolic Three Arms Walk for HIV/AIDS on the streets of Yenagoa.

“My political journey was not the one which attracted much attention from spiritual leaders and seers because many then could not see me playing notable roles in the national affairs of my country, since I was not active in partisan politics back then.

“However, I must say it now that Kaunda in the early days of my political career, captured my political trajectory to the presidency in an accurate prophetic revelation that has continued to amaze me till this day.

“In 2006 when Kaunda had ended his visit to us in Yenagoa and was returning to Zambia, I remember seeing him off to the Port Harcourt Airport in neighbouring Rivers State.

“As he stood up and was about to board a vehicle that would convey him to the aircraft, he turned back and said to me, “young man, you will be the president of this country one day.”

“Myself and my Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Amb. Boladei Igali, who was with me simply looked at each other in amazement, because the presidency was never in our dreams, at that time.

“Farfetched as these words seemed to me then, I later saw his prophecy fulfilled in my life within a decade.

“So I can say that KK was the man who saw tomorrow as it related then to my political future and fortune, as I eventually became the President of my country,” Jonathan said.

The former Nigeria president also said that his political experience, in certain ways, mirrored that of Kaunda.

He said that like Kaunda, he handed over to the opposition party after losing election.

“I am glad I made that happen without any contestation in the interest of peace and sustainable democracy.

“Let me end by saying that Dr Kaunda’s political profile as a leader and Pan-Africanist experienced varied fortunes, but in the end, he refused to be defeated and lived his life to show others that politics is about the people and that there is life after office.

“He was a man of the people right to the end of his ripe old age of 97 years when he passed on.

“This is what I am learning from him as I continue to devote my time to the pursuit of peace, good governance and sustainable democracy in Africa,” Jonathan said.

He said that Kaunda was not only of very great significance to Africa’s struggle for liberation, he was also quite significant to him.

He said that one of the reasons he accepted to assume the position of the Chancellor of Cavendish University, Uganda, two years ago was because Kaunda as well as Tanzanian former President, Benjamin Mkapa had served in the same position.

He said that Kaunda would continue to serve as a propelling force for Africa’s struggle for independence and economic emancipation.

“Kaunda’s voyage on Earth was an odyssey marked by many exciting milestones, the most significant being his role in nation-building and his passion for a just and peaceful society.

“He was a foremost Pan-Africanist, who worked tirelessly with his contemporaries like Kwame Nkrumah, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Jomo Kenyatta, Julius Nyerere, Patrice Lumumba and Ahmed Sekou Toure to birth freedom for many of our countries.

“They worked together to promote African unity and solidarity, and to advocate for self-determination and economic development.

“Kaunda’s timeline was defined by courage, strength, and resilience, championing hope and freedom and good governance in Zambia, Southern Africa, and the entire African continent.”

He added that Kaunda’s dedication to the causes of justice and African emancipation paid off, with the decolonisation and freedom of his neighbours and brothers in Malawi, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.

“Kaunda was such a vociferous anti-colonialist that from 1954 he refused to drink tea and coffee in protest against British colonialism – a personal protest he kept up for the rest of his life.”

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EFCC seeks permanent forfeiture of ex-Jonathan’s ADC’s cash in 7 bank accounts

Former President Jonathan inaugurates longest bridge in A’Ibom
Jonathan

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has sought a permanent forfeiture to the Federal Government of large sums of cash linked to Mr Moses Jitoboh, former Aides-De-Camp (ADC) to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.
The EFCC, through its lawyer, Chris Mshelia, is making the application before Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Jitoboh, currently a DIG of Police in-charge of South South Zone, was ADC to Jonathan when he was vice president to late President Umaru Yar’Adua between 2007 and 2010.
The anti-graft agency is seeking the permanent forfeiture of the monies stashed in seven bank accounts following the expiration of the interim forfeiture order made by Justice Nwite on July 22, 2022.
The judge had granted the order for interim forfeiture of the funds, giving 14 days for interested parties to show cause why the assets should not be forfeited to the Federal Government permanently and adjourned until Oct. 27, 2022, for mention.

The order followed an ex-parte originating motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1150/2022 which was moved by EFCC’s lawyer, Christopher Mshelia.
But in a motion on notice dated and filed on Dec. 13, 2022, by Chief P.H. Ogbole, SAN, two companies allegedly owned by Jitoboh; Keniah Nigeria Ltd and Golie Investment Nigeria Ltd sought to be joined as interested parties
Ogbole, who prayed for a court order extending the time within which to file their affidavit to show cause against the order of interim forfeiture made on July 22, 2022, also sought an order deeming their affidavit to show cause already filed as having been properly filed and served the necessary filing fees having been duly assessed and paid.
The senior lawyer gave four grounds upon which the application was brought.
He said though a 14 day was given within which interested parties should show cause and the matter adjourned until Oct. 27, 2022 for mention, at the time his clients got to know of the existence of the order of interim forfeiture, the time allowed to show cause had elapsed.

Ogbole, who said that the court had the discretional power to extend the time, prayed the court to grant the application in the interest of justice.
Although the matter came up for hearing on Monday, the court did not sit as FHC had commenced its Easter vacation which would last till April 17.
The matter, which was on number 4 on the Monday’s cause list, was consequently rescheduled for June 6.
While the EFCC is the applicant, Jitoboh and Insp. Bernard Agada are 1st and 2nd respondents respectively.
NAN reports that the EFCC had, in the ex-parte motion, dated and filed on July 15, 2022, prayed for an interim order of the court forfeiting to the Federal Government, the various sums of monies in respect of seven bank accounts listed in the schedule attached to the motion
The agency alleged that the funds, having been traced and recovered from the respondents, are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity.
It also sought an order directing the publication of the interim order in any national newspaper for the respondents or any interested party to appear before the court to show cause within 14 days why the final order of forfeiture of the said assets should not be made in favour of the Federal Government.

The application was brought pursuant to Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14, 2006; Section 19(1) of Proceeds of Crime Recovery and Management Act, 2022; Section 44(2)(B) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court.
The commission, which gave two grounds why the order should be granted, said the court had the statutory powers under the provisions of the law to grant the reliefs sought.
The EFCC listed the bank accounts against which the order was sought and the balance in them to include: David Adakole George, GTB account number: 0051402092 with N5, 326,451.75; Damien Alechenu George, GTB account number: 0051402030 with N5, 433,218.19; and Jese Oloche George, GTB account number: 0051401992 with N5, 348,043.42.
It also include: DJD Jessica, ECOBANK account numbers: 5462033574 and 1623001923 with N230, 710.01; Keniah Nigeria Ltd, UBA account number: 1004699872 with N59, 762, 409.19; Golie Nigeria Ltd, UBA account number: 1001154361 with N7, 506.93 and Golie Nigeria Ltd, Zenith Bank account number: 1010290014 with N6, 269.94.

In the affidavit in support of the ex-parte motion deposed to by Chinelo Opera, an investigating officer with the EFCC, she averred that the commission received an intelligence report from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President sometime in November 2015.
She said the intelligence alleged conspiracy, money laundering and unlawful gratification against two public servant; Mr Jitoboh, who was then an AIG, and another serving officer, Insp. Agada.
She said the investigation conducted revealed that Jitoboh and Agada, had, sometime in 2014, received the sum of N75 million cash from the office of the NSA.
“The said sum was meant for the procurement of defence equipment for the Nigerian Armed Forces to help in the counter insurgency effort of the Federal Government,” she said.
The officer said findings, however, revealed that the N75 million was not expended for the purpose it was disbursed but was laundered through the suspects’ companies and other accounts.
“That further investigation revealed that the AIG Moses Jitoboh, incorporated two companies– Keniah Nigeria Limited and Golie Nigeria Limited.
“The two companies operate accounts with the United Bank of Africa and Zenith Bank, having him as the sole signatory to those accounts,” Opera said.
According to her, evidence from the investigation revealed that the AIG Moses Jitoboh’s Companies, Keniah Nigeria Limited and Golie Nigeria Limited had inflows from National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Office of the Accountant General of the Federation and Niger Delia Development Commission (NDDC).

Opera averred that “the Keniah Nigeria Limited account number: 1004699872, domiciled with UBA, had a credit inflow of N444,698,282.27 (four hundred and forty four million, six hundred and ninety eight thousand, two hundred and eighty two naira, twenty seven kobo).”
She alleged that the said inflows were proceeds of unlawful gratification by a public servant.
She equally said that Golie Nigeria Limited account number: 1001154361, domiciled with the UBA, had a total inflow N119,392,659.86 (one hundred and nineteen million, three hundred and ninety two thousand six hundred and fifty nine naira eighty six jobo}.
She also alleged that the said inflows were proceeds of unlawful gratification by a public servant.
“Golie investment Nigeria limited account number: 1010290014, domiciled with Zenith Bank Pic, had a total credit inflow of N1,211,130,178.38 (one billion, two hundred and eleven million, one hundred and thirty thousand and one hundred and seventy eight naira, thirty eight kobo).
“The said inflows were proceeds of unlawful gratification by a public servant,” she said.
The officer also said that further investigation revealed that Agada registered a business name; Ben DJD Jessica Business Venture, which operates two ECOBANK accounts number 5462033547 & 1623001923.
She alleged that Agada was the sole signatory to the two accounts.
Opera said that “investigation revealed that inspector George Benard Agada transferred the sum of N24million to Moses Ambakina Jitoba, a relative of AIG Moses, from Ben DJD Jessica Business Venture, on the same day he received the sum of N75 million.

“That Ben DJD Jessica Business Venture accounts had a total deposit of N249, 022,512.96 through cash deposit.
“The said inflows were proceeds of unlawful gratification by a public servant.
“That Inspector George Benard Agada, equally operates GT Bank accounts in the name of DAVID ADAKOLE GEORGE. ACC. NO: 0051402092, DAMIEN ALECHENU GEORGE, ACC. NO: 0051402030 & JESSE OLOCHE GEORGE, ACC. NO: 0051401992.
“The said inflows were proceeds of unlawful gratification by a public servant.
“The said GT-Bank account in paragraph 16 above has huge inflows/cash deposits suspected to be from the Inspector George Benard Agada, which is not commiserate with his income as an inspector of the Nigerian Police.

“That it is necessary to obtain an interim order forfeiting the monies described in the schedule above to the Federal Government of Nigeria,” the EFCC officer said.
Copies of the statements of accounts were exhibited in the application.
She said “the application is necessary to stem the trend of corrupt practices in our democratic society and to deny the respondents the opportunity to enjoy their loots.”

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Former President Jonathan inaugurates longest bridge in A’Ibom

Former President Jonathan inaugurates longest bridge in A’Ibom
Jonathan

Dr Goodluck Jonathan, former President of Nigeria, on Monday inaugurated the fourth longest bridge in the country with a total length of 1.15 kilo metres.

Jonathan, in his speech during the inauguration at Afi Uko Nteghe along Etebi Enwang road in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom, said that the bridge would improved the economic activities of the people.

He noted that the project is one of the longest bridges in West Africa and the length of the bridge is so nice even at the night.

“Gov. Emmanuel had delivered several projects and built many bridges but this particular bridge, I am commissioning today, is a flagship project.

“It is the fourth longest bridge in the country and the longest bridge ever built by a state government.

“It takes somebody with total commitment to improve the quality of life of the people and to embark on such projects,” Jonathan said.

He explained that Gov. Emmanuel’s strategic plan had delivered great dividends of democracy to the people of Akwa Ibom.

“We are here to commission a special projects which is designed to promote economic growth and improve the life of the people,” Jonathan said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bridge was executed by Gov. Emmanuel, in Mbo, and has been described as the fourth longest in Nigeria.

In his remarks, Gov. Emmanuel said he has satisfied his conscience with his achievements across the state.

He added that despite criticisms and the falsehood peddled against his government, he had tried not to be distracted.

Emmanuel commended the community for supporting the construction of the project, noting that, the project confirms his promise to open up the riverine areas.

He said “I said in my second term that we are going to open up the riverine areas. In Nigeria today, I think we are very few in terms of governors who can have 31 local government areas and development touching 31 local government areas simultaneously.

“There is no local government out of 31 which can say that this administration has not touched or there is not an ongoing life-touching project in the area.

“This is the only place a subnational is signing a signature in the sky, on the land, in the water.

“Today, if I had gotten the support of the Federal Government, we would have gone far in this area. This is where the industrial hub for the future Nigeria lies,” Emmanuel said.

Prof. Eno Ibanga, Commissioner for Works, said that the length of the bridge was 1,150m, comprising 52 spans of 22.5m each.

NAN reports that the project was abandoned until Gov. Emmanuel re-awarded it in 2018 to Amitec Construction Company and completed it.

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Nigerians won’t forget Jonathan’s love for the nation – PDP as former President turns 65

Former President Jonathan inaugurates longest bridge in A’Ibom
Jonathan

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that Nigerians cannot forget the love former President Goodluck Jonathan has been displaying for the country.

It said this as Jonathan marks his 65th birthday.

The party described the former president as ‘an honest, forthright, humane, caring leader and Icon of Peace’.

The party in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Debo Ologunagba in Abuja on Sunday, said the PDP and all patriotic Nigerians celebrated Jonathan.

Ologunagba said the love of Jonathan for Nigerians and his commitment to the unity, stability and development of the nation, in line with the manifesto of PDP remained indelible in Nigeria national annals.

“Nigerians of diverse political persuasions extol former president Jonathan’s peaceful personality which has been acknowledged all over the world

” He created the conducive atmosphere, national stability and cohesion for unprecedented economic growth during his tenure as president.

“Also, in recognition of his peaceful persona, he continues to be saddled with numerous foreign engagements to superintend over peace negotiations across the globe.”

Ologunagba said the PDP remained proud of Jonathan for his achievements in key sectors, including unprecedented investments and transformation in education, healthcare, agriculture, real estate, aviation, telecommunications, manufacturing, oil and gas.

Others according to him include revamping of the railways and stimulating Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) leading to massive job opportunities and bequeathment of a 550 billion dollars economy (largest in Africa and 26th globally) at the end of his very successful tenure in 2015.

‘Moreover, Nigerians recognised Jonathan’s efforts in deepening our democracy, including initiating reforms that opened up the political space, allowed more citizen participation in politics and governance.

“Jonathan promoted constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech and strengthened the bond of unity, mutual respect and understanding among Nigerians.

“Nigerians will not forget president Jonathan’s display of love for the nation and the citizens when he sacrificed his personal ambition for the unity and stability of our dear fatherland after the 2015 general elections.”

Ologunagba said the PDP family celebrated Jonathan and prayed that God would continue to increase him in wisdom and peaceful credentials to the benefit of the country in particular and humanity in general.

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PDP crisis: Jonathan dissociates self from Wike, other angry governors

Former President Jonathan inaugurates longest bridge in A’Ibom
Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, has dissociated himself from Governor Nyesom Wike and other aggrieved governors of the Peoples Democratic Party.

This is as he debunked a media report that the aggrieved governors were loyal to him.

Mr Ikechukwu Eze, the Media Adviser to Jonathan, in a statement on Friday in Abuja, said the office’s attention had been drawn to media reports linking his name to the current troubles in the PDP.

Eze said that Jonathan would have ignored the strange tale, since it was obviously baseless.

“However, we are offering this clarification because we have been reached by many Nigerians who are concerned that such fabrication, with a vague and suspicious attribution, could be given undeserved prominence on the front page of some national dailies.

ALSO READ: Jonathan rubbishes delegates who choose presidential candidates
“We are also not unmindful of the fact that, this being an electioneering season, bizarre tales are often contrived, propagated and weaponised to either smear others, or deliver cheap political advantage to the purveyors.

“First, we would like to make the point that it is not out of place if there was crisis in a political party like the PDP, and a former president who served under the party’s platform, is called upon to intervene.

“That being the case, we initially did not see anything wrong with the headlines in some papers indicating that the former President was being persuaded to help resolve the issues in the party.

“However, we are dismayed that the seemingly purpose-minded headlines were only cast to mask the mischief of the sponsors of the story and hoodwink the unsuspecting populace.”

Eze said the former president’s office’s attention was called to the provocative and insulting statements in separate, but similar versions of the story in different news media.

He said the report, either claiming that “the whole thing we are seeing in the PDP … is orchestrated for President Jonathan,” or that “he (Jonathan) is encouraging governors Wike, Makinde, Ikpeazu, Ugwuanyi and Ortom, to behave the way they are doing, knowing that these five governors are fighting his cause”.

“We believe that such duplicitous statements could not have emanated from the camps of those who truly wish the party well.

“It simply shows that the so called ‘sources’ of the story are not disposed to the peace and unity they pretend to be seeking in the PDP.

“How could anybody turn around in 2022 to accuse Jonathan of bearing a grudge against the PDP when the former president had campaigned vigorously for the party and its presidential candidate during the 2019 elections?”

Eze said those who insinuated that Jonathan was not happy with the PDP Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, because of whatever roles he played ahead of the 2015 elections, had forgotten that the former president actively campaigned for him in 2019.

“The fact that Dr. Jonathan stood out as an exemplary politician who, throughout his political career, abhorred treachery and mean-mindedness, and played politics without bitterness, needs no gainsay.

“Unlike many of his detractors, the former President has, out of office, progressed to a higher level of statesmanship, faithfully applying himself to causes that promote peace, love, unity and progress, across the entire west African sub-region.

“It is Dr Jonathan’s wish that the PDP is able to resolve its internal crisis, unite all members and have a good showing in the forthcoming 2023 elections.

“We wish to however point out that it will be difficult to achieve this aspiration if some forces in the party continue to engage in mudslinging, disinformation and manifest tendencies that negate the values that are dear to loyal party members,” Eze said.

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Enough of politics of bitterness and division along ethnic and religious lines – Jonathan

Governors should come together and discuss - Jonathan
Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has advised Nigerians to shun politics of bitterness and one divided by ethnic and religious sentiments.

He also called on all candidates in the 2023 general elections to strive to make their campaigns issue-based, clean and violence-free.

Jonathan made the call in his virtual goodwill message read on Thursday in Abuja at the signing of the first National Peace Accord on the 2023 general elections which was attended by presidential candidates and their parties.

He also urged candidates, their promoters and supporters to exercise restraint and to run their campaigns based on issues that affected Nigerians.

“We are at a critical stage in our national life where we have no choice but to promote national cohesion, love and hope in order to make the desired progress.

“We cannot afford to continue to play politics of bitterness and division along ethnic and religious lines. This is because such kind of politics portends great danger to our unity, growth and the sustenance of our democracy.

“We have to be mindful of the destructive impact of hate speech, fake news and mindless propaganda, especially in a clime where the fabric of unity and stability still needs to be strengthened.

“I charge the candidates, their promoters and supporters to exercise restraint and seek to run their campaigns based on issues that affect our people.

“They should, by all means, avoid needless attacks on personalities and use of abusive language for those are the elements that cause chaos and crisis during elections,’’ Jonathan said.

He said that the task of ensuring peaceful elections in 2023 was our collective responsibility.

Jonathan said that it behoved on the candidates and the leaders of the various parties to lead the process for peaceful elections in the country.

He said that political stability and growth of democracy in any country were usually measured by the quality of elections.

“In this regard, we expect our democracy to be consolidated in such a way that our electoral processes will be seen to record incremental progress at the end of every election cycle.

“Unfortunately, this has not been the case, as there are signs of inconsistencies with the progress we make in our elections.

“As citizens of this great country, we all have the responsibility to redirect our steps, strive to work harder and do the right things to avoid the stagnation of our democracy.’’

Jonathan urged Nigeria to raise the bar in credible and transparent elections by ensuring that the country electoral processes were peaceful, free and fair.

“Since I left office in 2015, I have been involved in the process of promoting democracy across Africa.

“My experience as an election observer, having led observation missions to many countries, is that many African countries are working hard to improve their elections and deepen the roots of democracy in their land.

“Many of us will recall that elections held recently in Kenya, Ghana and The Gambia and I am pleased that peaceful outcomes were recorded in those countries.

“ In 2023, I expect our country to raise the bar for credible and transparent elections by ensuring that our electoral processes are peaceful, free and fair.“ he said.