Goodluck Jonathan; Profile Of A Gentleman

Saturday, 09 January 2010 13:04 Nengi Josef Ilagha

Against the background of resounding calls by discerning Nigerians to restore faith in the rule of law and follow the Constitution to the letter in the matter of a credible helmsman for the nation, Nengi Josef Ilagha, veteran speech writer, provides an insight into the life of Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Profile Of A Gentleman by Nengi Josef Ilagha

Think not what your country can do for you,

but what you can do for your country.  -  John F. Kennedy

ON NOVEMBER 20, 1957, when a peasant farmer named Jonathan and his wife gave birth to a baby boy at their humble homestead in Otuoke, they never imagined that the boy would become famous beyond the rural confines of Ogbia kingdom. Not for once did it occur to them that this boy would one day become the first Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State rising, by dint of hard work and the intervention of fate, to become Governor.

Even so, the paternal grandmother of this jolly good chap had a vision for her grandson. She called him Azikiwe, in the hope that the illustrious name would leave a political imprint of glory on his impressionable mind, and lead him to repeat the exploits of the Great Zik of Africa. The old woman did not hope in vain. Early in life, the lad marked himself apart from his peers. He was christened Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. Today, many years after he took up chalk and slate, he holds a doctorate degree in Zoology and serves under President Umar Musa Yar’Adua as the first Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to emerge from the south-south geo-political zone in the 49-year history of Nigeria.

Young Goodluck Jonathan began his primary education at St Stephen’s Primary School (now State School, Otuoke) and later moved to St Michael’s Primary School, Oloibiri, where he completed his elementary education in 1969, at the age of 12. His leadership traits began to come up for reckoning in the course of his secondary school days. In 1973, while in form three, he was appointed class prefect and Secretary of the Food Committee, an administrative body of hostel masters and senior students. He occupied that position up to form five. As the prime prefect of Masterson House, he soon assumed the exalted office of Chairman, Committee of Prefects. Like a gold fish, he could no longer hide. Two years later, in 1975, he obtained his West African School Certificate from the famous Mater Dei High School, Imiringi, passing out with a distinction.

Afterward, Goodluck Jonathan worked as a Preventive Officer with the Department of Customs and Excise, proud of his khaki uniform, his new rank, and the official pistol by his side, stuck in its holster. In 1977, he secured admission into the Department of Zoology, a pioneer student of the newly established University of Port Harcourt. After a studious tenure there, he bagged a Bachelor of Science degree in 1981, graduating with a Second Class Honours (Upper Division).

As a corps member, Goodluck served Nigeria devotedly as a humble classroom teacher at Iresi, a community in Oyo State, now in Osun State. At the end of the NYSC programme in 1982, the young man took up appointment as a classroom teacher under the auspices of the Rivers State Civil Service Commission, and began to cultivate his independent-minded spirit. Following his exceptional performance at the interview, he was promptly upgraded to the rank of Science Inspector of Education in the Ministry of Education.

But then, Goodluck Jonathan always knew that he had a bond with the academia that he couldn’t deny. Accordingly, in November 1983, he left the mainstream civil service for the Rivers State College of Education, Port Harcourt, where he picked up his chalk again, standing before the blackboard and drawing diagrams, content with his status as a lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences. He was elected as a Representative of Congress in the Senior Appointments and Promotions Committee of the College. He performed his duties to great acclaim until he voluntarily resigned his appointment.

Given his dogged quest for knowledge, however, he propelled himself to obtain a Masters degree in Hydro-Biology and Fisheries Biology in 1985. It is on record that from his primary school right through tertiary education, Goodluck Jonathan never failed any terminal or semester examination. Ultimately, in 1995, after a long dream of academic fulfillment, he bagged his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Zoology from the University of Port Harcourt.

With the creation of the Oil Minerals Producing Areas Development Commission, OMPADEC, in October 1992, Dr Jonathan was called to serve as Assistant Director, Ecology, in March 1993 in the Directorate of Environmental Protection and Pollution Control. He was in charge of the Environmental Protection Sub-Department of the Commission. He performed creditably in that capacity, until he voluntarily left the service of the Commission in 1998.

Simple and unassuming, humble to a fault, none of his friends, colleagues and associates ever expected Dr Goodluck Jonathan to jump into the rough waters of Nigerian politics. But that is exactly what he did. Inspired by the words of Isaac Adaka Boro, determined to advance the welfare and progress of his people on a larger scale, he ventured into politics in 1998, with a hopeful heart beating in his chest. At the dawn of the Fourth Republic, Dr Jonathan pitched tent with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and emerged as the running mate to the party’s gubernatorial flag-bearer, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha. The duo emerged triumphant at the polls in the 1999 governorship election, and so Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan stepped into office as the first Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State.

A cautious, disciplined and seasoned administrator, his dedication to service earned him the Best Performing Deputy Governor Award, as well as the Honourary Award for Democracy and Good Governance. Given his contributions to Environmental Management, he was decorated with the prestigious Honourary Fellowship of the Nigerian Environmental Society. A member of various professional associations around the world, he remains a Fellow of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria, FISON, Fellow of the Public Administrators of Nigeria, Fellow, International Association of Impact Assessment, IAIA, and Fellow, Institute of Corporate Affairs Management. He is also a member, Science Teachers Association of Nigeria, and Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary International.

A man of apparent honesty, an astute and dependable politician, a thought-provoking teacher, technocrat and peace maker, an achiever of no mean distinction, he remains popular amongst his people. He abides in the consciousness of his friends, associates and record keepers as a builder of unity bridges.

Indeed Goodluck Ebele Jonathan qualifies as a lover of truth, a perfect gentleman deserving of honour, a caring husband to his loving wife, Patience Faka Jonathan, and a great father and friend to his adorable children, Aruabai Jonathan and Adolphus Ariweri Jonathan. Like a tree solidly rooted in the earth, he holds an unshakeable belief in the oneness and brotherhood, not only of the Ogbia clan and his home state, Bayelsa, but of our great nation, Nigeria.

These are the invaluable personal and public testimonies that enabled him to worm a path into the heart of his friend and current boss, Alhaji Umar Musa Yar’Adua. Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Grand Commander of the Order of Nigeria, GCON, was sworn into office as Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria on May 29, 2007.

We can’t direct N’Assembly to make Jonathan Acting President – Gov Saraki
By OLA AGBAJE
Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Dr. Bukola Saraki Photo: Sun Publishing

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The Nigerian governors have said that they have no powers to direct the National Assembly to install Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to install Vice President.Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and Kwara State governor, Dr. Bukola Saraki, made the clarification after the meeting of the state security council held in Ilorin.

Eminent Nigerians, including past leaders, have been calling on the National Assembly to facilitate the process of transmitting powers to the vice president to become acting president in view of the prolonged absence of President Umaru Yar’Adua who has been receiving treatment in Saudi Arabia since November last year.

Clarifying air on the earlier reported position of the forum which claimed that the group had directed the National Assembly to make Jonathan acting president, Saraki said they lacked the power to so direct and blamed those he described as the fifth columnists for the misrepresentation in the media.

According to him, the forum at no time directed the National assembly to recognize the vice president as acting president. The Kwara governor insisted that he and his colleagues only appealed to the National Assembly on the matter.
“The power to recognize the Vice President as acting president belongs entirely to the National Assembly and not the Governors’ Forum as erroneously reported by the fifth columnist.

“As stakeholders, we are coming up with a suggestion on the way forward and we want to go and appeal to the National Assembly to review and consider this in the interest of the nation,” he said.
Consequently, he called on the National Assembly to speed up action on the matter so that it could be put behind everybody in the interest of the country and national peace.

Speaking on the just concluded governorship elections in Anambra State, Saraki congratulated Governor Peter Obi and his party All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) on the victory at polls, while praising Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Prof. Charles Soludo, for conceding defeat.

He also gave kudos to the Prof. Maurice Iwu led Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a job well done in Anambra State and urged INEC not to rest on its oars as the country prepares for the 2007 general elections.
Saraki expressed the hope that the conduct of the people of Anambra State and the overall success of the election would serve as the necessary impetus for advancement of democracy in the country in future.

Govt set to turn Benin into modern city

BENIN CITY- The Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has stressed the commitment of the present administration to turn Benin into a modern city.

He stated this yesterday during the commissioning of Bob Izua Ultra- modern park at Ikpoba Slope, Benin City. The Governor maintained that as a way of boosting the transport system in Edo State, a strategic plan was being implemented towards traffic decongestion, noting that the construction of two additional lanes and two metres walk way on Akpakpava Road had started.

He further stated that when completed, the competition between pedestrians and motorists on the roads would be completely eradicated.

Comrade Oshiomhole said that he was available for the commissioning of the park, first, to identify with Chief Adun as a friend, because the park did not block the flow of traffic and to appreciate the efforts of Bob Izua Motors towards job creation in Edo State and called on the people of Edo State to emulate the determination and handwork of Chief Adum in his investment drive in the state, noting “that when youths are employed, they sleep at night but if idle and sleepless at night, then the people cannot have a good sleep at night.”

He, however, called on Bob Izua Motors to pay more tax in line with the speedy expansion of its business noting that tax revenue will be used to develop the state.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Bob Izua Motors, Chief Osamede Adun, the Aiyobahan of Benin, called on the Edo State government to support the company through the provision of soft loan through co-operative society to enable it purchase more buses.

Chief Adun stated that his company started with 12 buses, just ten years ago, noting, that the opened ultra- modern Park has 45 rooms, which would serve as hotel for passengers on transit.

He assured passengers of their safety on the road, especially as 20 new buses had been added to the existing fleet to flag- off the commissioning of the new park.
He, however, commended Comrade Oshiomhole for the excellent work being done in Edo State.

While thanking the Benin Monarch for his fatherly advice and love towards him and his company, Chief Adun pledged his unwavering support to the Oshiomhole – led administration.

Safety helmets were distributed free to commercial motorcyclists during the ceremony while guests were treated to music and entertainment.

THE PRESIDENT ADDRESS TO THE NATION

Fellow Nigerians,

AS we all know, our dear President, His Excellency, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, has been receiving treatment in Saudi Arabia for some time now. Naturally, his absence from the country has generated considerable interest and a heated national debate.

Today, the National Assembly passed a resolution mandating me to act as President, Commander-in- Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In following the extant provisions of the 1999 Constitution to arrive at this decision, the leadership and members of the National Assembly have shown great courage, statesmanship and patriotism. I salute them all.

In the same vein, I will like to commend all the other political actors and national leaders, particularly the former heads of state, elder statesmen, governors of the 36 States and other leaders of political groups, civil society organisations, the media, and, indeed, all Nigerians, for their valuable contributions and counsel. Our security services also deserve our special commendation for their loyalty and devotion to duty during this trying period.

The circumstances in which I find myself assuming office today as acting president of our country are uncommon, sober and reflective. More than ever, therefore, I urge all Nigerians as a people of faith in God, to pray fervently for the full recovery of our dear president and his early return.

The events of the recent past have put to the test, our collective resolve as a democratic nation. I am delighted to note that our nation has demonstrated resilience and unity of purpose. Today affords us time to reconnect with ourselves and overcome any suspicions, hurts and doubts, which had occurred. In all these, there are no winners and no losers, because by the Grace of God, we have, once again, succeeded in moving our country forward. We have all shown that our unity as a people, our love for this country, and our hope for its great future cannot be shaken.

It is now time for us to move on in a more determined manner to tackle the various challenges which we face as a nation. Our march towards Vision 20:2020 is irreversible.

Therefore, we see a need to prioritise on a few of the most critical areas which continue to plague our effort at engendering meaningful economic growth and development.

Some of these critical sectors include power, infrastructure, security, generation of employment and business opportunities for our teeming young men and women.

Fellow Nigerians,

The Federal Government will take every step necessary to consolidate the gains of amnesty in the Niger Delta and execute the post-amnesty programme. I, therefore, appeal to all concerned to be patient, as there can be no meaningful development without peace and security.

As regards the Jos crisis, government will endeavour to sustain the peace and find a lasting solution to the recurring crisis in Plateau State. In the meantime, culprits of the heinous crimes committed in the recent incident will face the full weight of the law. I want to restate that government will not tolerate the culture of impunity that is fast becoming an unwelcome part of our socio-political life.

Our commitment to ensuring the security of lives and property in all parts of the country will also be pursued with renewed zeal. The Nigeria Police and other security services would be given new impetus to perform their duties, even while respecting the human rights of Nigerians. They are fully expected to produce corresponding results. There shall be no excuses for failure. Nigerians deserve to be fully protected at all times nationwide.

Fellow Nigerians,

One of the cardinal commitments of this administration is our commitment to good governance, accountability and transparency. We shall continue to pursue these policy objectives with all the seriousness they deserve. In particular, the war against corruption will be prosecuted more robustly. We will, therefore, strengthen the capacity of the anti-corruption agencies and give them a free hand to prosecute the anti corruption war.

Let me, once again, commend the people of Anambra State for the successful conduct of the recent gubernatorial election. This has shown that Nigerians can conduct free, fair and credible elections. The Anambra election has, however, exposed some weaknesses in our electoral system and government is determined to plug these loopholes as we approach the next general election in 2011. I want to reassure all Nigerians and our friends around the world that our determination to ensure that the sanctity of the electoral rights of our people shall not be compromised.

Let me, on behalf of the Nigerian people, appreciate the international community for their goodwill and understanding in our efforts at national development and consolidation of our democracy. Nigeria will continue to play a deserving role in regional and global affairs.

On a personal note, I am deeply humbled and honoured by this great call to duty. I am fully aware of the responsibilities reposed in me and I want to reassure all Nigerians that this is a sacred trust, which I shall discharge to my fullest abilities.

Thank you and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria

CLICK TO SEE THE  VIDEO CLIP OF PRESIDENT JONATHAN GOODLUCK' S SPEECH TO THE NATION

Nigeria's Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan has accepted the post of acting president.

President Umaru Yar'Adua has been in Saudi Arabia for more than two months receiving medical treatment.

Parliament earlier voted to recognise Mr Jonathan as acting president to end political uncertainty in the country amid Mr Yar'Adua's absence.

In a televised address, Mr Jonathan asked the country to pray for Mr Yar'Adua's recovery.

Both Houses of the National Assembly today passed separate motions authorizing the handing-over of power to the Vice-President as prescribed by Nigeria’s constitution. The Senate, in a near unanimous decision, resolved that that Goodluck Jonathan take over as "Acting President and the Commander-in-chief of the Nigeria Armed Forces" until such a time that Umaru Yar'Adua returns from medical treatment in Saudi Arabia and transmits a letter indicating that he is medically fit to resume his duties. 
Curiously, the Senate based its decision, which was broadcast on live television, upon Yar'Adua's interview on BBC four weeks ago in which he said he would resume duties when his doctors certify him fit.  The House decided that broadcast transmitted the message that he was unwell and undertaking medical treatment.

A few hours later, the House of Representatives, which only a few days ago maintained that Yar’Adua was healthy enough to continue in office, adopted a similar motion to that of the Senate, for power to be transmitted to Jonathan Goodluck as the "Acting President and the Commander-in-chief of the Nigeria Armed Forces" .

It was not immediately clear what the immediate impact of the resolutions of the legislature mean, and whether the Chief Justice of the Federation, whose own office is in doubt, since he was sworn in by someone other than the President, contrary to constitutional provisions, will be swearing in Mr. Jonathan as the "Acting President."  Our sources said this is unlikely.

It was also not clear, today, whether Mr. Jonathan would be interested in moving forward on the basis of this development, as he might insist on a formal letter from the president.  Last Friday, the BBC quoted an un-named adviser to Yar’Adua as saying such a letter was forthcoming.  So far, Jonathan has not shown any fire of any kind.

Today marks the 78th day since Yar'Adua was evacuated from Nigeria on a medical emergency, as was exclusively revealed by Saharareporters on November 23 2009. Since departing Nigeria he has not been seen in public by anyone. His wife and two close aides are the only persons that claim access to him.

But his departure and subsequent inability to communicate did not prevent a notorious gang of his loyalists from engaging in massive looting, forgery of documents and manipulation of the public. However the cabinet crumbled last week Wednesday when a female cabinet member, Dora Akunyili, the Minister of Information, submitted a memo to the Federal Executive Council (FEC), urging the body to reverse a decision earlier taken that claimed that Yar'Adua was capable of discharging his duties.

The memo which was immediately shot down by the hawks and pretenders within the cabinet, may have emboldened several officers of the regime to embarking on practicing a new song, as it became clear that Yar'Adua could not return despite efforts by his wife and loyalists to confuse the world about his state of health.

Tomorrow is the weekly meeting of the FEC, at which Mrs. Akunyili’s re-submitted memo is expected to be on the agenda.  While some members of the cabinet are known to have been re-considering their positions as well as their political future, Nigerians are watching closely to see whether, in view of today’s developments, the body insists that Yar’Adua is fit to continue.
 
“Members of the FEC basically have 24 hours to pen their own destiny,” a Saharareporters analyst said in Abuja this afternoon.  “When they address the press after their meeting tomorrow, they must understand nothing will ever be the same again.”

As for the legislature, he said, “The National Assembly has played only the cards in one hand;it now remains to be seen what the cards in the other hand contain, because again, their resolutions today did not carry any information as to how to move forward.  They can still be stalling for time: trying to appear to be doing the right thing, because they know Nigerians have lost faith in them, while hoping Yar’Adua will show up in a day or two, on video footage with an airport background, to say he is on his way home.”

Yar’Adua: It’s all over
•Impasse ‘ll end this week - Yuguda
•Yar’Adua’s men woo Jonathan
From AMOS DUNIA, Abuja
Sunday, February 7, 2010

•Photo: Sun News Publishing

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In a matter of hours, the handover drama in the Presidency that has lasted more than two and half months would come to an end. Son-in-law to President Umaru Yar’Adua and governor of Bauchi State, Mallam Isa Yugua, gave the hint on the heels of reports that more Ministers are falling in line behind the Minister of Information and Communications, Professor Dora Akunyili, whose memorandum to the Executive Council of the Federation (EXCOF) has left it in disarray.

Yuguda told journalists in Abuja in the early hours of Saturday that Vice President Goodluck Jonathan would assume office as Acting President from this week in line with the decision of the court, the resolution of the Senate and the demand of Eminent Persons Group among so many others.

He explained that the 1999 Constitution did not make provision to take care of the likelihood of a situation where the President is so incapacitated that he cannot write the National Assembly.

Yuguda said the decision of the governors asking Yar’Adua to handover to Jonathan should be commended because it was a realistic and pragmatic as well as creating a window for genuine dialogue among Nigerians on the vexed issue.
He, however, stressed that the issue of Yar’Adua transmitting a letter to the National Assembly that would have paved way for Jonathan to act as president in his absence had been blown out of proportion.

“You would recall that the Forum of Governors met over 30 days ago in Abuja during which we deliberated on the health of the President and later addressed the media. As at then, we did not know that he was going to be away for this long because none of us is God and we are not in a position to determine the health of anyone. But we provided the way forward,” he said.
The Bauchi governor explained that taking a critical look at the ailing President today in comparison to the appraisal of the reaction of some Nigerians to the illness, it would seem as if some of those involved do not have blood flowing in their veins.
“I feel frustrated that we are not building the required type of image we need as a country as we end up making our nation a laughing stock,” he said.

Commenting on last month’s ethno-religious crisis in Jos, Yuguda said one way of nipping such unfortunate crisis in the bud was to ensure a strict adherence to law and order, stressing that anyone found to have committed offence should be severely punished no matter his status.
He called on the National Assembly to urgently enact a law to resolve once and for all the issues surrounding indigene/settler in the country, saying that every Nigerian should be free to choose where to be called his home irrespective of where he hails from.
Yuguda further said religious leaders who hide under the vocation of preaching to incite the people for their selfish ends should be arrested and prosecuted, adding that the activities of the political class should also be monitored with a view to checking their excesses and if found wanting, they should be severely dealt with.

“Pastors hiding under the canopy of religion to incite the people must be denied access to places of worship. Any Islamic cleric that hides under the canopy of religion to incite the people and cause crisis should be denied access to places of worship. Such people should be rejected by the society because God does not go where there is crisis.”
Sunday Sun however authoritatively learnt that some of the hawks in the cabinet, who had ensured that Yar’Adua did not hand over to Jonathan, have tactically began moves to take strategic positions in a ‘President Jonathan’ administration.
One of the strategies of the hawks is to worm their way into Jonathan’s favour by telling him they had all along been on his side and that they were actually the ones funding the organizations that had staged some of the demonstrations urging Yar’Adua to communicate his medical vacation to the National Assembly to enable the Vice President assume office as President in acting capacity.

It was gathered that the prodigal ministers’ group was actually behind a team that took a middle course of the road in the address they presented to the National Assembly urging the Federal legislature to resolve the matter believing that both the Senate and the House of Representatives were going to remain satisfied with their initial resolution in which the Senate summoned the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to brief it.
Unfortunately for the hawks in the Presidency, the Senate took a hardliner position, insisting that the ailing Yar’Adua should communicate his medical vacation letter to the National Assembly in line with Section 145 of the Constitution.

Two Nigerians arrested with cocaine in Punjab

February 6th, 2010 - 5:25 pm ICT by IANS Tell a Friend -

Mohali (Punjab), Feb 6 (IANS) Two Nigerian youths were arrested here with 212 grams of cocaine worth Rs.30 million (Rs.3 crore) in the international market, officials said Saturday.
The duo, identified as Money Alexander alias Ben Daniel Alex and Ndidi Evans Peter, was nabbed by officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Mohali, around 10 km from state capital Chandigarh, and booked under Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

“Following a tip-off, we arrested the duo after raiding a house, where they were staying as tenants for the past many months,” a DRI official said here.

He said that they had received intelligence inputs that a parcel containing the contraband had reached Italy from India through a courier company last month.

The parcel contained 310 grams of heroin, worth Rs.20 million, hidden in a hydraulic door spring.

“During investigation, we found that the parcel was sent from Chandigarh. We traced the address of the senders and the two Nigerian youths, in their early thirties, were arrested Feb 2,” the official said.

“During the raid, we recovered 212 gram cocaine, again concealed in a hydraulic door spring. They were planning to send it abroad through courier,” he added.

The DRI officials also recovered dismantled hydraulic door springs and packaging material during the raid.

Punjab police had earlier arrested Alexander with contraband in July last year but he was released on bail in September.

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Gunmen abduct school principal

BENIN CITY – Academic activities was paralysed at the Idia College in Benin City following the abduction of the Senior Principal of the Premier Girls College, Mrs. Dorothy Igbinovia by gunmen yesterday.

The over two thousand students of Idia College who protested to Government House, narrating the ordeal of their Principal before she was allegedly abducted, were received by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. John Ejale.

According to the students, unknown armed men stormed the school in the morning and dragged their Principal into her vehicle and drove her away.

The Chief of Staff to the governor told the students that the state government is highly concerned over the unfortunate incident, commending them, however for the peaceful manner they have conducted themselves.

He said the state government has directed the security operatives to ensure that the Principal is released unhurt.

While advising the students to always be alert and security conscious, the Deputy Chief of Staff assured that security will be beefed up within and around the school.

Some students who expressed worry over the insecurity in the school, disclosed that the absence of a guard in the school has compounded the problem.