Former President Goodluck Jonathan enjoyed lavish praise on Tuesday for steering Nigeria away from the path of political turmoil after he conceded defeat to incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 presidential poll.
Leaders who spoke at the public presentation of a book titled: “My Transition Hours” authored by Jonathan, hailed the former President for calming all strained nerves at the gloomy time. His book captured the life and times of his government between 2010 and 2015.
In his remarks, former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon thanked Jonathan for resisting voices that told him to hang onto power at the time, saying that it saved Nigeria a serious trouble.
“Let me first congratulate you on your 61 birthday. What I wan to say is that I remembered that the concern of everyone was how the election was going to go. It was serious. Then on the final day the news came that Ebele Jonathan had conceded defeated and congratulate the winner. There was such jubilation. You did something that many people have not been able to do and you saved Nigerian from a serious trouble. May God bless you for that. Thank God for what you have done.
“Some of his party members were telling him to resist result. But you accepted and saved Nigeria and Nigerians. I cannot add anymore to what others have spoken. What you have done has saved Nigeria and Nigerians would ever be grateful to you”, he said.
Speaking earlier, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar said that Nigeria would remain eternally grateful to Jonathan.
“On behalf of my wife, I congratulate President. We cannot thank you enough for the peace we are having in the country through peaceful transition when you voluntarily and honourably conceded defeat. You have brought peace to this country. You became an example to Africa. You showed that you loved your country more than you love power. I wish you well.”
Former Vice President Namadi Sambo also eulogized his former boss, saying he had written his name in the sands of time.
“You have written your name in the sands of time. He has distinguished himself as a true patriot and leader and that is why we are gathered here today. Your excellency, you are a great man.”, he said.
For the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, Nigeria’s finest hour was the time Jonathan conceded defeat.
“Let me on behalf of the senate congratulate you. It is Nigeria’s finest hours in African Continent. As we all read the book, we all learn lesson. And we will not let it go down beyond our levels. Mr. President, the spirit of the book is what we should ensure. The spirit in the sense that no blood of any Nigerian is worth wasting. We will ensure the standard you have set”, he said.
Similarly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara said that Jonathan by making the call brought maturity into Nigerian political system.
“There was silence, suspense and suspicion until he decided out of his own volition to make that gracious call and that was what changed the narrative of the country. That singular precious call you put to your opponent was what brought maturity to our political process. With that you brought honour to all those who follow you”, he said.
Former Minister of Special Duties, Turaki Tanimu who spoke on behalf of former PDP Ministers Forum said that Jonathan made them proud.
“Today, we stand with our shoulders very high. In 2015, President kept Nigeria together without fighting a war. Abdulsalami Abubakar returned Nigeria to path of democracy. President Obasanjo led the strong foundation for democracy. Those of us who served under the PDP are proud of PDP achievements for 16 years.”, he said.
Former Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State who also spoke for former PDP governors said that there were happy Nigerians had tasted two different government and can now see the different.
He asked Nigerians to vote out APC in the coming election.
“Many people may not understand what has happened at the time. We are all in PDP for betterment, progress and indeed, the happiness of Nigerians. When we lost power in 2015, many of us felt bad, but now we are justified. We feel good because we have given people something to compare. Nigerians and PDP members must not be afraid. Go back to your polling units, use your PVC and protect your votes.”
