Former President Goodluck Jonathan has described Nigeria’s political space as one dominated by betrayals and lies, citing his experience during the 2015 general elections, which he lost to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Jonathan made the remarks in Benin City at the 70th birthday celebration of his former Chief of Staff and ex-Edo State Deputy Governor, Chief Mike Ogiadomhe. He praised Ogiadomhe as one of the few allies who remained loyal during and after his presidency.
According to him:
“I became president, then post presidency, one of the few friends that can give up their necks for me is Mike. You know politics, in the Nigerian standard, is about betrayals.”
Jonathan added that most politicians cannot be trusted to keep their word, stressing:
“I’ve witnessed a lot of betrayals, especially my 2015 elections, and Mike is somebody who would take a bullet on my behalf. He is somebody that you can take his word to the bank. Most other politicians, you cannot take their words to the bank.”
The event also featured tributes from dignitaries. Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa, said Ogiadomhe’s structures as Deputy Governor were still guiding the state. Former Governor Lucky Igbinedion also recalled entrusting state affairs to Ogiadomhe whenever he travelled abroad.
Other attendees included Professor Osarhiemen Osunbor, former Gombe Governor Ibrahim Dakwambo, and past Edo Deputy Governors Rev. Peter Obadan, Pius Odubu, and Marvelous Omobayo.
