Tobias Sylvester
An ex-minister who served under Goodluck Jonathan’s cabinet has alleged that the former President had plans in place to obtain a court order to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from announcing the result of the 2015 presidential election.
The former President Goodluck Jonathan who recently released his book titled “My Transition Hours’, narrated what happened at that critical moment when he lost the 2015 presidential election to Muhammadu Buhari.
He named four aides who advised him to concede defeat adding that he ignored ministers who told him otherwise.
“They were recommending sundry alternatives, but I was quiet in the midst of their discussions. I hugged my thought, figuring out how to do that which was best for the country. My personal interest was receding rapidly and the interest of Nigeria looming large.
“I excused myself and left the sitting room. I walked into my study. Even there, my mantra was a strong circle around me, supporting and comforting me. Let the country survive. Let democracy survive. My political ambition is not worth people being ‘soaked in blood.”
However, according to The Cable, A minister, who refused to be identified described Jonathan’s narration as unfair and petty, saying:
“The impression the former president is trying to create is that the people came to tell him not to concede. In truth, Jonathan was being persuaded by a former south-south governor not to concede, so some ministers were quickly invited to come and counter them.
“What would Okonjo-Iweala, Adoke and Chidoka be doing at the villa at that time if not that something was going wrong? Is Jonathan trying to say he was not involved in Elder Godsday Orubebe’s attempt to disrupt the announcement of the results? Is Jonathan trying to claim innocence of a plot to secure a court injunction to stop INEC from further announcing the results? Jonathan needs to be a man of honour.”
Another minister who also commented on the former President’s version of the story and said:
“Let him enjoy the euphoria of his book launch first, but those he has defamed will surely respond in due course.”
The minister also added that Jonathan’s recent action might lead to his demystification.
