
With H.E. President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan @GEJonathan (President of Nigeria, 2011-2015) in Abuja over the weekend. I told him “You are my Boss for Life.” A great leader who led with empathy. A kind man. A good man.
By Chibuike Nwabuko
ACCRA GHANA (PRECISE POST) – Precise Post reports that pictures have emerged that captured the moments President Bola Tinubu met with former Nigerian Presidents, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as well as Mahama’s predecessors, Nana Akufo-Addo and John Kuffour, alongside President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and our own Amina Mohamed, UN Deputy Secretary General.
Photos StateHouse
President Tinubu’s moments in Accra, Ghana
— Bayo Onanuga (@aonanuga1956) January 7, 2025
At the inauguration of President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, President Tinubu was the special guest of honour and addressed the vast crowd of enthusiasts and dignitaries. He met former Nigerian leaders, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck… pic.twitter.com/az6BwWpw2H
By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the February 25, 2023 general election in Nigeria, Peter Obi on Wednesday visited former President Goodluck Jonathan in his Abuja residence.
The former governor of Anambra state who commended Jonathan’s patriotic approach to national issues, also expressed appreciation to him for his kind advise and guidance.
The Anambra-born businessman and politician took to his X account to disclose this saying:
Finally, on returning to Abuja yesterday, I caught up with my dear elder brother and Former President of Nigeria, His Excellency Goodluck Jonathan @GEJonathan, to also wish him a happy new year. I also had the opportunity of discussing germane national issues with him.
President Jonathan’s patriotic approach to national issues remain admirable. I appreciate his kind advise and guidance and I wish him and his family a happy and productive year ahead.
With the visit, I concluded my New Year engagements for the day. -PO.
Finally, on returning to Abuja yesterday, I caught up with my dear elder brother and Former President of Nigeria, His Excellency Goodluck Jonathan @GEJonathan, to also wish him a happy new year. I also had the opportunity of discussing germane national issues with him.
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) January 2, 2025
President… pic.twitter.com/lG5dLRbtJB
By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (Precise Post) – Former Nigerian President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has tasked Nigerians to commit to diligence, ,sincerity and pursue justice and peace every day and everywhere.
Jonathan also urged the citizens to approach the year with faith and optimism and continue to demonstrate the spirit of resilience and courage in the pursuit of goals and national aspiration.
He gave the charge on Wednesday in his 2025 new year message to Nigerians released on his X account.
The 2025 New Year message of Jonathan reads in full:
Fellow Compatriots,
It is with gratitude to God that I welcome you to this New Year, 2025.
This year holds great prospects for us all, both as individuals and collectively as a country, despite the challenges we face.
Let us approach the year with faith and optimism and continue to demonstrate the spirit of resilience and courage in the pursuit of goals and national aspirations.
Last year was challenging in many ways but our shared commitment and determination made us triumph over the many trials that we faced both as individuals and as nation.
These experiences provide lessons that can serve as inspiration towards a better and prosperous future for us all this New Year.
This year, let us commit to diligence, ,sincerity and pursue justice and peace every day and everywhere.
Let our conduct be defined by love, sacrifice, peace, and unity.
May we succeed and prosper in all spheres. Happy New Year.
-GEJ
2025 NEW YEAR MESSAGE
— Goodluck E. Jonathan (@GEJonathan) January 1, 2025
Fellow Compatriots,
It is with gratitude to God that I welcome you to this New Year, 2025.
This year holds great prospects for us all, both as individuals and collectively as a country, despite the challenges we face.
Let us approach the year with…
ABUJA- Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for support for the victims of the tragic stampedes that occurred during palliative distributions in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija.
In his Christmas message issued on Monday in Abuja, Jonathan also urged authorities to implement measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Jonathan expressed sadness over the incidents and called for prayers and support for the victims’ families.
“The unfortunate incidents have left all of us in shock and sorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends who have lost their loved ones and with those who have been injured.
“I urge the authorities to provide the necessary support to the victims and ensure that measures are put in place to prevent such occurrences in the future.
“As we navigate through this painful period, I encourage all Nigerians to show compassion and solidarity, especially during this festive season.
“Christmas is a time of love, unity, and hope. It reminds us of the importance of caring for one another and working towards peace and harmony in our communities,” he said.
The former president also urged Nigerians to embrace the spirit of Christmas by extending a hand of friendship to those in need and fostering unity across all divides.
Jonathan prayed that the season would rekindle Nigerians’ collective resolve to build a nation founded on justice, fairness, and mutual respect.
“Let us also pray for the wisdom, strength, and resilience to overcome our challenges and for brighter days ahead for our beloved country.
“I wish all Nigerians a Merry Christmas filled with joy, peace, and love. May the new year bring renewed hope and prosperity for us all,” Jonathan said. (NAN)
The ancient city of Kano woke up on Thursday morning to the sight of presidential campaign posters of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan displayed across major roundabouts in the state.
The posters, bearing the message, “Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for President, 2027. He is our Messiah,” surprised many residents, as the individuals or groups behind them and their motives remain unknown, especially since it has been just a year into the Tinubu administration.
While it has become common for Nigerians, particularly in Kano, to reflect on and praise the perceived successes of Jonathan’s administration, the widespread appearance of these posters introduces a new political development.
Meanwhile, Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, have consistently denied any interest in a presidential bid.
However, the sudden appearance of these campaign posters across Kano may alter the narrative.
Only time will reveal whether he has any ambitions or if this is merely speculation.
ABUJA- A delegation of the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) observation mission led by former President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday arrived in Accra, ahead of the Dec. 7 general elections in the country.
The WAEF’s communications Officer, Wealth Dickson Ominabo, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja.
Ominabo, in a statement, quoted Jonathan on arrival in Ghana, urged Ghanaians to be patriotic and work for peaceful, free and transparent elections.
Other members of the delegation include former Burkinabe Prime Minister and President of the ECOWAS, Mr Kadre Ouedraogo; Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, Ms Ann Iyonu, and Special Adviser to Jonathan, Ikechukwu Eze.
Jonathan commended the people of Ghana for their enduring commitment to democratic values, adding that Ghana’s history of peaceful political transitions served as a beacon for democratic governance across Africa
“The upcoming elections present another opportunity for Ghanaians to reinforce their dedication to democracy, stability, and development,” he stated.
The mission leaders also charged the electoral commission of Ghana and the security agencies to keep to their mandate of independence and neutrality to ensure a credible polling process.
“WAEF urges the Electoral Commission of Ghana to uphold its mandate of conducting free and fair elections, and ensuring the transparency and credibility of the 2024 elections as a way of building trust among the electorate and stakeholders.
“We encourage the security agencies to sustain their professional conduct, maintain their neutrality and a peaceful electoral environment by ensuring impartial deployment to safeguard voting materials, polling centres, and citizens across the country.
“As we approach the end of campaign activities, we urge all political parties and their candidates to reaffirm their commitment to peaceful campaigns devoid of hate speech, inflammatory rhetoric, and personal attacks.”
The former President also called on political parties, candidates and all stakeholders to respect the integrity of the electoral process and pledged to resolve disputes through lawful and constitutional channels.
Jonathan further urged the youth and party supporters to remain law-abiding during and after the elections, avoiding acts of intimidation or violence.
Describing Ghana as a model of democracy, Jonathan also urged Ghanaians to seek to safeguard Ghana’s democratic legacy by rejecting violence, intimidation, or actions that could undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
“By working together, Ghanaians can once again assert the country’s position as a model of democracy built on a tradition of peaceful, free, fair and transparent elections,” he said. (NAN
By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA NIGERIA – Former Nigerian president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan was on Saturday crowned with the Eze Udo 1 of Etcheland.by His Royal Highness (HRH) Eze Dr. Ken O. Nwala, Ugo 1 of Etcheland in Rivers State.
The monarch corronated Jonathan in an event to mark his 10tj Anniversary on the throne and the 1st Etche Festival of Food, Art & Cultural Exhibition to commemorate the event, today, in his Palace.
The former president who disclosed this on his X account also commended the monarch for encouraging his people to advance the agrarian culture of the land and take pride in their aspiration to become the food basket of Rivers State.
In his words, he said:
“I congratulate HRH Eze Dr. Ken O. Nwala, Ugo 1 of Etcheland in Rivers State who marked his 10th Anniversary on the throne and conducted the 1st Etche Festival of Food, Art & Cultural Exhibition to commemorate the event, today, in his Palace.
“I commend the monarch for encouraging his people to advance the agrarian culture of the land and take pride in their aspiration to become the food basket of Rivers State.
“I also thank him and the people of his community for honouring me with the traditional title, Eze Udo 1 of Etcheland.
GEJ
ASABA- Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has congratulated former President Goodluck Jonathan on the occasion of his 67th birthday.
The governor’s felicitation was conveyed in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, on Wednesday in Asaba.
He said that the erstwhile Nigerian leader deserved to be celebrated for his sacrifices toward nation-building and the unity of the country.
Oborevwori noted that since leaving office, Jonathan had continued to render invaluable service to the nation and the African continent.
He lauded him for his remarkable accomplishments in international pro-peace mediations, particularly across Africa.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people Delta State, I congratulate our great leader and highly-respected elder statesman, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, on the occasion of his 67th birth anniversary,” he said.
The governor noted that as a peace builder and unifier in Africa, Jonathan’s commitment to goodwill, fidelity and humane leadership exemplified the impact of diplomacy and integrity in resolving conflicts and fostering unity.
“Leaders like you, with exemplary leadership style, serve as beacons of hope and inspiration for nations striving for stability and development.
“As you joyfully celebrate your 67th birth anniversary, we pray that God continues to bless you with abundant health and greater wisdom as you remain steadfast in your service to God and humanity.
“May your life be a testament to the values of compassion and dedication that inspire us all,” he said. (NAN)
By Chibuike Nwabuko
Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday arrived Gaborene to join other members of the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) to Botswana who are already on ground conducting stakeholder engagements, ahead of the country’s scheduled October 30, 2024 General Elections.
Jonathan, who announced his arrival on his verified X account, thanked the Chairperson of Botswana Independent Electoral Commission ((IEC),Hon Justice Barnabas Nyamadzabo, and his commissioners for immediately coming to brief hin and members of his team on the electoral umpire’s preparations for the elections.
Precise Post recalls that Botswana’s governing party – in power for almost six decades – is trying to pull off a trick in Wednesday’s general election by using a phrase normally associated with long-suffering opposition groups.
In its manifesto, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is calling for “change”.
“Let’s change together and build prosperity for all,” President Mokgweetsi Masisi in charge of the country since 2018 – writes in the introduction, BBC said.
It is an acknowledgement that things need to be done differently – the opposition argues that the president’s party is not in a position to do that.
Though analysts say the outcome of the election is hard to predict this time, the BDP has won handsome parliamentary majorities at the 11 elections since independence in 1966.
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Former President Goodluck Jonathan, on Friday, recounted the experience of losing the 2015 presidential election, saying it was a tough moment in his political life.
The ex-president admitted that he was emotional when he learned the result, adding that it felt as if the whole world was against him.
He made the confession in Abuja at the 1st Raymond Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture, organised by the management of Daar Communications in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.
Jonathan, who ran on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, was defeated in the 2015 election by the All Progressives Congress candidate, Muhammadu Buhari.
The former military dictator polled 15,424,921 votes, relegating the ex-president, who garnered only 12,853,162 votes, to second place.
The election marked the first time an incumbent president had lost re-election in Nigeria.
Beaming with a smile as he addressed the audience on Friday, Jonathan said the emotional torment he experienced was inexplicable.
The former Bayelsa deputy governor also recounted the fatherly role the Chairman of Daar Communications, Raymond Dokpesi, played before he officially handed over to Buhari.
He said, “It is not easy to lose an election as a president. You will think the whole world is against you. But then, Dokpesi invited me before I handed over. I remember what he said to me when I lost the election.
“There were so many senior Nigerians (elder statesmen) who spoke. After I listened to all the conversations, he congratulated me and encouraged me to look beyond the election. This is how I commemorated that session.
“That communication gave me hope and helped me not necessarily for the transition hour ahead of me but also in my spiritual life as a private citizen. If you read my book, My Transition Hours, I explain it more elaborately.”
Earlier in his address, the Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed, urged Nigerians not to abuse the freedom of speech they are enjoying.
While describing Dokpesi as a patriot and exceptional media personality, Mohammed suggested that others should borrow a leaf from his exemplary lifestyle of nation-building.
“Our respect for freedom of speech is sacrosanct even as we continue to urge responsibility in the exercise of this freedom. Nigerians are free to speak about this dear country of ours. What we can and will continue to do is to avoid getting to the point where reckless negativity becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts.
“We will make a grievous error individually and collectively if we choose to focus only on what is not working and neglect to balance it with equal attention to the things we are getting right. And we are getting a lot of things right as a nation even in our present circumstances.
“The media has an important role to play in strengthening this balanced approach through your reportage as shepherds and drivers of public opinion. The late Dokpesi played his part, and he did it in a way that he will never be forgotten,” he stated.
Dokpesi passed away on May 29, 2023.
According to DAAR Communications Group Managing Director, Tony Akiotu, he had been ill for a few weeks before his death.
Akiotu added that the former marine engineer fell off his treadmill during a routine gym exercise.
I am aware that the local government election taking place in Rivers State today, October 5, has been a subject of great interest to political actors.
The political happenings in Rivers State in the past days is a cause for serious concern for everyone, especially lovers of democracy and all actors within the peace and security sector of our nation.
Elections are the cornerstone of democracy because they are the primary source of legitimacy. This process renews the faith of citizens in their country as it affords them the opportunity to have a say on who governs them.
Every election is significant, whether at national or sub-national levels as it counts as a gain and honour to democracy.
It is the responsibility of all stakeholders, especially state institutions, to work towards the promotion of sound democratic culture of which periodic election stands as a noble virtue.
Democracy is our collective asset, its growth and progress is dependent on governments commitment to uphold the rule of law and pursue the interest of peace and justice at all times.
Institutions of the state, especially security agencies must refrain from actions that could lead to breakdown of law and order.
Rivers State represents the gateway to the Niger Delta and threat to peace in the state could have huge security implications in the region.
Let me sound a note of caution to all political actors in this crisis to be circumspect and patriotic in the pursuit of their political ambition and relevance.
I am calling on the National Judicial Commission (NJC) to take action that will curb the proliferation of court orders and judgements, especially those of concurrent jurisdiction giving conflicting orders. This, if not checked, will ridicule the institution of the judiciary and derail our democracy.
The political situation in Rivers State, mirrors our past, the crisis of the Old Western Region. I, therefore, warn that Rivers should not be used as crystal that will form the block that will collapse our democracy.
State institutions especially the police and the judiciary and all other stakeholders must always work for public interest and promote common good such as peace, justice and equality.
ABUJA- Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on all political actors and stakeholders to work towards deepening the nation’s democracy by prioritising peace and security in the Edo governorship election on Saturday.
Jonathan in a statement by his Media Adviser, Ikechukwu Eze in Abuja, urged politicians to pursue their interests within the confines of the law and refrain from activities that could undermine the peace and stability of the state.
“It is encouraging that civil rule has endured in the Fourth Republic for 25 years but we should remind our people that democracy loses its value when citizens cannot exercise their political choices in a free and fair atmosphere,” he said.
Jonathan also charged state institutions involved in managing the process of the election to maintain neutrality, to create a level-playing field and ensure free and fair election.
He said that the Edo election placed a moral burden on state agencies especially the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rise to their constitutional responsibilities as independent arbiters in Nigeria democratic process.
“Security agencies must conduct themselves in optimal neutrality and desist from actions that could alter the setting for a level-playing field and compromise the credibility of the electoral process.
“On its part, the INEC must live up to expectations as an unbiased umpire and inspire confidence in all actors through a transparent voting process.
“There is no doubt that loss of confidence in an election encourages political disputes, social unrests, voter apathy, increased polarisation and other far-reaching consequences that could undermine development and democratic consolidation.
“For democracy to endure, our leadership recruitment process must be devoid of all forms of manipulation and state institutions have the obligation to guarantee peaceful, credible and transparent elections.
“That way, citizens will be able to elect leaders of their choice who they will entrust with the legitimacy to deliver good governance, peace and prosperity,” he said.(NAN)
The Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, today August 24, gave out his daughter, Keziah’s hand in marriage to her man, Bitrus Josiah, in a ceremony that took place in Jalingo, the state capital.
Present at the wedding ceremony were Vice President Kashim Shettima, former President Goodluck Jonathan, and governors from the Peoples Democratic Party.
Other dignitaries included the Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal; Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri; Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori; Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke; Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri; and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, among others.
ABUJA- A former aide to ex-president Goodluck Jonathan, Rueben Abati, has slammed sons of President Bola Tinubu, Seyi Tinubu and Yinka Tinubu, for hanging around the presidential villa like ‘’jobless invalids.’’
Mr Abati expressed his dissatisfaction on Wednesday, during Arise TVs ‘The Morning Show’ which he co-anchors with fellow journalists Oseni Rufai and two others.
Wondering what the president’s children do for a living, Mr Abati admonished them to do something concrete with their lives at their age and stop being dependent on their father because he occupies the nation’s number one seat.
He also said he felt sorry for their wives who would be feeling embarrassed that their husbands were just hanging around, unable to stand on their own two feet as men.
He said, “May we begin to ask, what do the president’s children do for a living? I don’t know specifically how old they are but looking at them, by the time I was their age, I was doing something concrete with my life. I got a PhD at 24. I wasn’t depending on any father.
“People must get to a stage in their lives when they will hold themselves together, I don’t want adults behaving like invalids hanging around just because your father is in a position. All these children of privilege sometimes overdo it, and these are boys that would probably have wives at home. Some of these girls, what they go through is very embarrassing. You can’t have a husband that’s just hanging around, that cannot stand on his two feet as men.’’
Mr Abati’s statement comes after the President’s sons along with other dignitaries recently followed the President on an official trip to Qatar.
By Chris Udochukwu
Precise Post gathered that the newly-elected Liberian President Joseph Boakai, on Monday, suffered a “heat stroke” while reading his acceptance speech shortly after taking the oath of office during his inauguration into office.
Mr Boakai, 79, had been speaking for about 30 minutes on the podium when it became clear that he was having difficulty continuing his speech.
He was immediately helped out of the stage by security details believed to be attached to the presidency at the event held at the Capitol Building, the seat of parliament in the capital, Monrovia.
Mr Boakai, who had been sworn in as Liberia’s oldest-ever president, was assisted out of the stage after failing twice to carry on his acceptance speech at the inauguration.
The health status of Mr Boakai, who narrowly defeated Mr George Weah, who became Liberia’s young-ever elected president, in a run-off election in November last year, was a major issue during the election campaign.
Mr Weah had already conceded defeat based on the results of more than 99.98 per cent of the polling stations before Mr Boakai’s official declaration as the winner of the exercise by the electoral commission.
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu and his predecessor, former President Goodluck Jonathan, were among African leaders who led a mediation mission for the election and commended Mr Weah for accepting the outcome of the poll.
JUST IN: Liberia's🇱🇷 new president Joseph Boakai nearly faints at inauguration and had to be helped away from the podium after he paused twice during his inauguration speech. pic.twitter.com/9M56TpZMVS
— Peter Obi Grassroots Mobilization. (@PO_GrassRootM) January 22, 2024
However, in a statement released on Monday evening, the president’s office claimed that Mr Boakai had suffered exhaustion.
The statement added that doctors had already declared him “perfectly fine.”
“He has resumed his normal activities. He is expected to meet with the Ghanaian President and other dignitaries today,” it further added.
Political pundits had raised concerns about Mr Boakai’s age and energy to fit in for the presidential seat during the election campaign.
But the criticism was met with strong defence as his loyalists claimed he was fit to run the office.
However, in a statement released on Monday evening, the president’s office claimed that Mr Boakai had suffered exhaustion.