Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, has revealed that members of his cabinet expressed concerns and fears over possible imprisonment when Muhammadu Buhari won the 2015 presidential election. He stated that the tense atmosphere during the transition period in 2015 was a difficult time for his team, but the outgone government of Buhari did not encounter such challenges.
In an interview with Arise TV on Monday, Jonathan disclosed that his loyalists and senior officers were afraid of being thrown into jail without a fair hearing. Some of them had even expressed their opinion that he would run away from the country. However, Jonathan chose to stay put in Nigeria.
The former president cited his greater concern for the country as the reason for his exemplary sportsmanship in accepting defeat and avoiding controversy, stating that politicians should be interested in the good of the country rather than themselves. He reminded them that, without the country, there would be no president.
Jonathan expressed his disappointment with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies, particularly in conducting free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria. He called attention to the shift of the electoral process from manual to electronic and the problems associated with it. He warned that unless the INEC improved and ensured a free and fair electoral process, the commission would drive Nigeria into chaos.
The former president addressed the controversy surrounding the conduct of the electoral process, saying, “The problem we have is INEC and security. And I used to give an example; if two soccer teams are playing and the referee decides to look the other way, they will injure themselves. And you must not allow it. The electoral management body shares more than 60 per cent of the blame. If they do their work well, the politicians will have no choice but to follow the rules – they, the security and the courts.”
In conclusion, Jonathan’s interview portrayed his patriotism and good sportsmanship, while also showcasing the need for political leadership to prioritize the citizens’ interests over their personal agenda. His remarks highlighted the importance of carrying out a transparent and unbiased electoral process, which is crucial to the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria.
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