Former President Goodluck Jonathan has described Nigeria’s political space as one ruled by betrayal, dishonesty, and self-interest.
Jonathan spoke on Thursday in Benin City during the 70th birthday celebration of his former Chief of Staff and ex-Deputy Governor of Edo State, Chief Mike Ogiadomhe.
The event drew several dignitaries, including former governors Lucky Igbinedion, Professor Osarhiemen Osunbor, Adams Oshiomhole, and Ibrahim Dakwambo of Gombe State. Also in attendance were former deputy governors, Edo State Chief Judge Daniel Okungbowa, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly Blessing Agbebaku with other lawmakers, as well as traditional rulers.
Jonathan praised Ogiadomhe as a loyal ally who stood by him during and after his presidency.
“When I became president, then post presidency, one of the few friends that could give up their necks for me is Mike,” Jonathan said.
“You know politics, in the Nigerian standard, is about betrayals. You find it difficult to see somebody who will say the same thing in the morning and in the evening. I’ve witnessed a lot of betrayals, especially my 2015 election, and Mike is somebody who would take a bullet on my behalf.”
He added that Ogiadomhe’s words could always be trusted, unlike most politicians.
“He is somebody that you can take his word to the bank. Most other politicians, you cannot take their words to the bank. They will tell you something, the next hour they are saying another,” Jonathan said.
Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dennis Idahosa, who represented Governor Monday Okpebholo, described Ogiadomhe as a leader whose foundation still guides the state.
Former governor Lucky Igbinedion said he had no hesitation handing over power to Ogiadomhe as deputy whenever he traveled abroad, while Adams Oshiomhole noted that Ogiadomhe’s loyalty to Jonathan was unwavering.
“Whenever we discussed politics, he always told me that wherever Jonathan is, that is where he would be,” Oshiomhole said, while also praising Ogiadomhe’s wife, Lousia, for being a dependable partner.
