 |
| Old photo of Jonathan and Obasanjo |
Former President Goodluck Jonathan described his political journey as nothing short of a miracle during an event held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos.
Speaking on Friday at the presentation of books by journalist and his former presidential spokesperson Dr. Reuben Abati, Jonathan reflected on his rapid ascent from deputy governor to president within just four years, attributing the feat entirely to divine intervention.
“My political journey looked like a political miracle. From deputy governor to becoming president of this country within four years - it was a miracle. It’s only God that made it possible,” Jonathan said.
He also praised Abati for his intellectual insight and for capturing his government experience in written form.
The event was chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who lauded Abati’s growth from journalist and political aide to author. Obasanjo emphasized the enduring importance of truth as vital for both personal achievement and national development.
“Having witnessed the journey, I’m pleased that the essential attributes for success and nation-building remain as important today as they were during my time,” Obasanjo remarked.
“The truth that I stood for at that time, you have now come to stand for. I am happy that in my lifetime, I can say I have a son in Reuben Abati who has matured, who has understood, who has progressed, and who is now on the path of success.
“And I want to say again, there’s a difference between progress and success. You’ve made progress; now you have to make success, and may God continue to help you to make success.”
Book reviewer Louis Odion characterized the three books as a vivid portrayal of Nigeria’s triumphs and challenges, emphasizing their message of the country’s capacity for unity and progress.
He evaluated the titles as follows: Portraits: People, Politics and Society (642 pages); How Goodluck Jonathan Became President (285 pages); and A Love Letter and Other Stories (402 pages).
In his address, Abati promised that further insightful works on the Jonathan administration would be published in due course.
The event featured a keynote speech by the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Hassan Kukah.
Distinguished guests included former Ogun State governor Segun Osoba; Abia State governor Alex Otti; Lagos deputy governor Obafemi Hamzat; EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede; the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; and the Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Abdulkabir.
Other attendees were former governors Gbenga Daniel and Adams Oshiomhole; Ambassador Godknows Igali; Mr. Joseph Adeyeye, Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of PUNCH Newspapers; Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru, publisher of The Guardian; advertising tycoon Biodun Shobanjo; former presidential spokesperson Femi Adesina; ThisDay publisher Nduka Obaigbena; Professor Anthony Kila; and sports executive Amaju Pinnick.
Also present were Access Holdings Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; Gbenga Isiaka; Oodua Group Chairman Bimbo Ashiru; Chief Felix Fagbohungbe; Prince Julius Adelusi; actress Shaffy Bello; veteran journalist Tola Adeniyi; and the book’s publisher, Ayo Arowosegbe.
Abati’s wife, Kikelomo Abati, led other family members in attendance.
0 comments:
Post a Comment