Former President Goodluck Jonathan says some of his aides and allies abandoned him after leaving office.
Jonathan said this on Tuesday in Bauchi after inaugurating the 6.25Km Sabon Kaura-Jos bypass road constructed at the cost of N2.2 billion.
“I have been in government for a reasonable time, I have attained a number of levels starting from deputy governor and most of our experience is that after leaving office, some of the people you think that if they don’t see you will not eat, will just forget that you even exist,” Jonathan said.
The former president also said that
the tradition of favouritism in leadership positions among families, friends, acquaintances rather than ability and capability to deliver is responsible for Nigeria’s backwardness.
“In Nigeria, we have this tradition where some people feel that some ministries are big and juicy and must be given to a special person or that you have to know someone before you give him a responsibility, role or put him somewhere. It is not like that with me, it is not my way of doing things,” he said.
Jonathan said he did not know Bala Mohammed, yet he appointed him as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Emir of Bauchi, Dr Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, described the former president as detribalised Nigerian who demonstrated patriotism, nationalism and statesmanship during his reign as president of the country.
