A public presentation of a book “My Transition Hours” written by former President Goodluck Jonathan took place at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja on Tuesday and was attended by former President OlusegunObasanjo, the national chairman of the governing All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole amongst others.
In a brief remark, former military head of state, AbdulasalmiAbubakar, said Nigeria is peaceful today because of the decision made by Mr. Jonathan to forfeit the 2015 election.
“We cannot thank you enough for the peace we are having in the country today; for the peaceful transition we had when you freely and voluntarily conceded defeat,” MrAbubakar said.
“By your decision, you have shown that you love your country more than you love power”, he added.
Former president of Ghana, John Mahamawho was also present said that Mr. Jonathan was more of an academic who ventured in politics. “He is not your typical politician”, he said.
He further went on to state that Mr. Jonathan’s approach to leadership was in an unperturbed manner and that’s why he succeeded as a leader.
Mr. Mahama described Mr. Jonathan as “not talkative, reasonable and level headed in politics.
“For him politics was not a matter of life and death. His decision in 2015 was not surprising to me at all,” he said.
The event also had in attendance President MuhammaduBuhari who was being represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.
Other notable persons at the event are the Senate President BukolaSaraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives, YakubuDogara, former Senate minority leader, GodswillAkpabio, former Senate president, David Mark, and PDP national chairman, UcheSecondus.
Mr Jonathan’s vice, NamadiSambo, who was present, spoke briefly by noting Mr. Jonathan’s ability to stabilize Nigerian democracy.
He said Mr. Jonathan as president made appointments solely based on merit.
He added that Mr. Jonathan appointed the former national chairman of Independent National Electoral commission, AttahiruJega, a man he has never met.
In an insight into the activities of Mr. Jonathan when he was president, Mr.Sambo recalled that when there was an outbreak of Ebola virus in Nigeria which was announced in 2014, the president, who returned from an official trip to the USA by 5a.m., convened an emergency meeting in his office by 7a.m. where actions were taken to deal with the outbreak.
