“I Never Wanted to Be Vice President”: Jonathan Reveals, Advises Politicians on Proper Conduct

“I Never Wanted to Be Vice President”: Jonathan Reveals, Advises Politicians on Proper Conduct

  • Former President Goodluck Jonathan has made a stunning revelation about his 2007 vice-presidential ambition
  • The former leader noted that he never wished to become Nigeria's second in command, but God's will prevailed
  • Jonathan, however, urged Nigerian leaders and politicians interested in public service to be of good conduct while noting that their service is of great importance to the people, not themselves

The former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, has revealed that he opposed becoming the country’s vice president in 2007, but fate had another plan for him.

He said he almost cried when he became Nigeria’s number two citizen, adding that he never planned to occupy such a high office at that time, a report by The PUNCH confirmed on Thursday, March 16.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, Musa Yar’Adua, Bayelsa state
Jonathan says he never wanted to be Nigeria's vice president in 2007. Photo credit: Goodluck Jonathan
Source: Facebook

Jonathan speaks on being Nigeria's vice president in 2007

Jonathan made the revelation on Wednesday, March 15, when he paid a condolence visit to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri over his father's death at Sampou Community in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state.

Read also

I’ll use Peter Obi’s governance model in Abia, says Alex Otti

PAY ATTENTION: Join Legit.ng Telegram channel! Never miss important updates!

He said:

“As a leader in the country who had the privilege of serving at the state level and national level, I can only advise that politics is not about that you must be there. If God wants you to be there, you will be there.
“If it is not yet your turn to be there, you will not be there. When I became a vice president, I almost cried, I never wanted to, but that was my destiny, and I had to move."

Jonathan confirm visit

Jonathan further confirmed the visit on his Facebook page.

The post, accompanied by pictures, sighted by Legit.ng on Thursday afternoon, March 16, reads thus:

"Today, in Sampou, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State for a condolence visit to Governor Douye Diri over the loss of his father, Pa Abraham Diri.

Read also

Wike finally reveals what happened in Saraki’s house after he recommended Obi as Atiku’s running mate

"Pa Diri was a well-respected community leader and teacher who nurtured many across the state to greatness.
"I pray God consoles Governor Diri and his family and grants them the fortitude to bear the loss. - GEJ

Nigerians reacts:

Nigerians took to the Facebook page of Jonathan and reacted to the development.

Daniel ThankGod wrote:

"Very impressive Your Excellency Sir."

Deacon Tobon Princewill wrote:

"Amen!!! Thank you your Excellency Sir. May the soul of the departed rest in peace."

Iteshi Chinonso Mathias wrote:

"You are a good man.
"May the soul of the governor's father rest in peace amen."

Iborinahson Jr Dgreat wrote:

"Continue to be a good man Nigerians miss you."

Onyee Kachi wrote:

"You left power to a man who doesn't have the interest of ordinary man at heart."

February 25: New twist as Presidency speaks on presidential election results, reveals fresh position

The presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, said on Thursday morning, March 16, that the results of the February 25 presidential election shocked many who had declared a winner before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did.

Read also

Fayose talks tough, reveals those behind Nigeria's problems

The senior special assistant to the president for media and publicity, Garba Shehu, made the observation in an Arise Television News interview.

He said despite the irregularities observed in the February 25 election, it remained the most improved in Nigeria’s history, The PUNCH reported on Thursday, March 16.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Esther Odili avatar

Esther Odili (Politics and Current Affairs Editor) Esther Odili is a journalist and a Politics/Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng with 6+ years of experience. She Holds OND and HND in Mass Communication from the Nigerian Institue of Journalism (NIJ), where she was recognized as the best student in print journalism in 2018. Before joining Legit.ng, Esther has worked with other reputable media houses, such as the New Telegraph newspaper and Galaxy Television. In 2024, Esther obtained a certificate in advanced digital reporting from the Google News Initiative. Email: esther.odili@corp.legit.ng.