'I Am Being Investigated for Corruption'- Goodluck Jonathan

In an interview with Bloomberg TV, former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, said he is aware he is being investigated for corruption in Nigeria. Asked if he was aware that he is being investigated, Jonathan said

"Of course, obviously we would be investigated and I am being investigated. Yes, investigations are going on" he said

He says he wouldn't want to comment on whether the investigators would find anything incriminating.

"I wouldn't want to comment on certain things because when a government is working, it is not proper for the immediate past president to make certain statements. I would allow the government to do the work they are supposed to do. After all the investigations, the whole story would be properly chronicled"he said.

Buhari Inherited Burden from Goodluck Jonathan - Soyinka

Prof Wole Soyinka has said it would take time for President Muhammadu Buhari to clear the rot he inherited from his predecessor, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, whose administration, he believed, left a “heavy baggage” and “burden” that may take a while to tackle.

 

According to The Nation,he spoke in Johannesburg, South Africa at a public lecture on the theme: Politics, Culture and the New Africa. He said:

“This (Buhari) administration has inherited a heavy baggage.

EFCC Uncovers How $40m Was Transferred to Former President Jonathan’s Cousin’s Account

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has traced the source of the $40million paid to Roberts Azibaola, who is former President Goodluck Jonathan’s cousin, to a bank in London.

The cash was wired through Citibank N. A. Canada Square Canary in Wharf London E 145 LB into the account of One Plus Holdings Nigeria Limited of Azibaola.About $6million of the money was paid to a bureau de change in Abuja,the Nation reports..

Azibaola, who was yet to make any refund, has been relocated from Lagos to Abuja in preparation for his trial.

Charges have been filed against the ex-President’s cousin at a Federal High Court in Abuja. No date has been fixed for his arraignment.

$2.1bn Arms Deal: I will Speak At The Appropriate Time - Goodluck Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan says he will speak on the ongoing $2.1 billion arms deal scandal at the appropriate time. Jonathan is currently in Geneva. Switzerland, where he is holding a press conference and will also be hosted by a committee of diplomats. Tweets after the cut...

Activist Malala Yousafzai Meets President Goodluck Jonathan

Pakistani child rights activist, Malala Yousafzat, has finally met with President Goodluck Jonathan. And according to reports, one of the outcomes of her meeting with the President is that finally, he will be visiting the parents of the Chibok girls who are passing through horrifying experience following the abduction of their children over three months ago by the terrorist group, Boko Haram.

Malala, who has been in Nigeria to join her voice in the condemnation of the abduction of  the Nigerian girls, as part of activities to mark her seventeen birthday, said she was hopeful that the girls would be released soon as promised by the President. Adding that President Jonathan had also promised that once the missing girls were rescued, they would be given scholarships to go to school in any part of Nigeria.

Masterminds Of Nyanya Bomb Blasts Nabbed- President Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday revealed that the masterminds of the two deadly bomb blasts that rocked Nyanya, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory have been arrested and are currently helping the security agencies in their efforts to unmask their financiers.

Jonathan spoke while fielding questions from journalists at the end of the 24th World Economic Forum for Africa, WEFA, held in Abuja which ended yesterday.

He also said that the Federal Government had earmarked $10 million as matching grant to the efforts by the international community to rescue the 230 abducted female students of the Government Girls Secondary School, GGSS, Chibok in Borno State.

Centenary Celebration: Jonathan Advises African Leaders On Conflict Management

Over 20 Heads of State have converged on the International Conference Center Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, to commemorate Nigeria’s 100 years of existence, beginning with an international conference on human security, peace and development.

President Goodluck Jonathan presented the lead paper at the security conference which focuses on how to secure the continent against terrorists.
Some of the leaders present were President Hifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia, Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Yahya Jammeh of the Gambia and Prosper Bazombaza of Burundi.

Liberian President, Helen Sirleaf and the former Secretary-General of OAU, Dr Salim Ahmed Salim who led the Tanzanian delegation were also in for the celebration.

Also in Abuja was the President of Mauritania, Mohammed Ould Abdel Aziz, Ethiopian President, Mr Hailemarian Desalegh, and the European Union President, Mr Jose Manuel Barroso.

President Jonathan Suspends CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido

According to the official statement: Having taken special notice of reports of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria and other investigating bodies, which indicate clearly that Mallam Sanusi Lamido  Sanusi’s tenure has been characterized by various acts of financial recklessness and misconduct which are inconsistent with the administration’s vision of a Central Bank propelled by the core values of focused economic management, prudence, transparency and financial discipline;

Being also deeply concerned about far-reaching irregularities  under Mallam Sanusi’s watch which have distracted the Central Bank away from the pursuit and achievement of its statutory mandate.

Patience Jonathan Appears in Public To Dispel Rumours that She's Sick & has being Flown to Germany

Nigeria’s First Lady, Patience Jonathan has appeared in public to dispel media reports that she has been secretly flown to Germany for an urgent medical treatment.
ChannelsTV reports that Mrs Jonathan, who paid a condolence visit to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory over the death of his elder brother, said the president had asked her to personally come for the visit to dispel the report of her ill health.

“My husband asked me to come and see you specially. I have come to tell you sorry because of what has happened to your family. Whatever happens to you happens to us,” she said.

BREAKING: Goodluck Jonathan Sacks Aviation Minister, Oduah, Three Others

President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday has finally sacked the embattled Minister of Aviation, Ms. Stella Oduah.

Others affected were Caleb Olubolade (Police Affairs); Godsday Orubebe (Niger Delta); and Yerima Ngama (State, Finance).

Oduah’s approval for the purchase of two bullet-proof cars for N255m caused public outrage in the country with many Nigerians calling for her removal and prosecution.

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Pres. Goodluck Jonathan Sends Names of 12 Ministerial Nominees To Senate For Clearance

President Jonathan today Tuesday Jan. 12th officially presented the names of 12 ministerial nominees to the Senate for screening and approval. Senate president, David Mark, announced the names on the floor of the Senate at the resumed plenary session for the year 2014.

The nominees are:

1. Mr. Boni Haruna from Adamawa State

2. Mrs Akon Etim Eyakenyi from Akwa Ibom State

3. Hon Mohammed Wakil from Borno State

4. Lawrencia Labaran Mallam from Kaduna State

5. Ambassador Aminu Wali from Kano State

6. Hadjia Jamilia Salik from Kano State

7. Senator Musiliu Obanikoro from Lagos State

8. Asabe Asmau Ahmed from Niger State

9. Alh Abduljelili Oyewale Adesiyan from Osun State

10. Dr T. W. Danagogo from Rivers State

 11. Dr. Khaliru Alhassan from Sokoto State

12. General Aliu Gusau Mohammed (rtd.) from Zamfara State.

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Gays WorldWide Mobilise For Action Against Nigeria Because Of Same Marriage Prohibition Law

Gays all over the world are mobilising for actions against Nigeria over the Same sex Prohibition law signed by President Goodluck Jonathan. The leading gay nation on earth, the USA has already voiced its concern. According to the Secretary of State, John Kerry in a statement:

“The United States is deeply concerned by Nigeria’s enactment of the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act. Beyond even prohibiting same-sex marriage, this law dangerously restricts freedom of assembly, association, and expression of Nigerians. Moreover, it is inconsistent with Nigeria’s international legal obligations and undermines the democratic reforms and human rights protections enshrined in its 1999 Constitution.

People everywhere deserve to live in freedom and equality. No one should face violence or discrimination for who they are or who they love. We join with those in Nigeria who appeal for the protection of their fellow citizens’ fundamental freedoms and universal human rights.”

President Goodluck Signs Same Sex Prohibition Bill Into Law

In spite of protests from some countries, President Goodluck Jonathan has signed Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill 2013 into law. Some foreign embassies were shocked by the development leading to ‘curious’ inquiries from the Federal Government.  But despite the inquiries, the Federal Government said there is no going back.

The signed bill says the gays in Nigeria will however risk a 14-year jail term if they do not retrace their steps and renounce such marriage.  Also, any person who operates or participates in gay clubs, societies and organizations directly or indirectly will earn 10-year imprisonment. Those who administer witness, abet or aid the solemnization of a same sex marriage are going to bag 10-year jail term.

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Nobody Will Hold Nigeria To Ransom – Goodluck Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan, on Sunday, declared that no individual, group or persons or terrorist organisation could hold the nation to ransom. 

Jonathan spoke at the first Sunday service in 2014, which he attended at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Garki, Abuja. 

He vowed to end insecurity and spate of killings in some parts of the North being perpetrated by the Boko Haram sect.

The president, who described the terrorist’s onslaught as ephemeral, assured that the country would soon be liberated from it. 

Jonathan reiterated his administration’s commitment to working harder to ensure that “nobody or group of persons will be able to hold Nigeria to ransom’’. 

The Men & Women Who Will Shape The Year 2014

The year 2014, being the last year before the next round of general elections is bound to be decisive as politicians from across different political hues take position. Some Nigerians who are bound to direct the pace of political activities in the country are mentioned underneath.

President Goodluck Jonathan
President Goodluck Jonathan will be the centre of action in the coming year. As president of the country eligible for a second term, the pace and posture of his politics would largely determine the pattern of political activities in 2014.

President Jonathan who had in the past pooh-poohed questions on whether he would seek re-election had said that he would make his plans known in 2014. With that year now at hand, the president can no longer wave aside a response to the issue. Will he or will he not?

FG To Maintain Presidential Jets With N1.52Bn in 2014

 Punch is Reporting that: 

The Federal Government has budgeted N1.52b for the maintenance of the 10 aircraft currently in the Presidential Air Fleet in 2014.

The maintenance cost is slightly higher than the N1.5bn proposed as the initial deposit for the purchase of additional aircraft that will bring the number of aircraft in the fleet to 11.

This is apart from the N747m earmarked for the purchase of aviation fuel for the aircraft already in the fleet.

President Goodluck Jonathan Finally Replies Obasanjo's Letter

President Goodluck Jonathan has capped it with his much awaited response to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s 18 page letter, that has triggered a lot of storms in national discourse. Jonathan also made his response an open letter, addressed to the office address of the former leader in Abeokuta.

In the letter, dated December 20 and titled “Re: Before it is too late’’, Jonathan said that Obasanjo’s letter was a deliberate and calculated attempt to discredit him and his administration. He also described Obasanjo’s open letter, as “a threat to national unity and an attempt to promote ethnic disunity’’

His Excellency,

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR

Agbe L’Oba House, Quarry Road,

Ibara, Abeokuta.

RE: Before It Is Too Late

I wish to formally acknowledge your letter dated December 2, 2013 and other previous correspondence similar to it.

You will recall that all the letters were brought to me by hand. Although both of us discussed some of the issues in those letters, I had not, before now, seen the need for any formal reply since, to me, they contained advice from a former President to a serving President. Obviously, you felt differently because in your last letter, you complained about my not acknowledging or replying your previous letters. Continue...

President Jonathan Unveils Nigerian-Made Drone

President Goodluck Jonathan, unveiled the first indigenous unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, named GULMA, built by the Nigerian Air Force in Kaduna. He declared that the giant technological breakthrough of various sectors, particularly the Armed Forces, is pointers to the country’s potential for greater deeds.

In his speech at the unveiling ceremony, President Jonathan said: “We must not forget the lesson of this encouraging moment in our nation’s history; that as Nigerians we are capable of great deeds.“In the same manner, we must not forget that ahead of us still lie challenges that we must surmount. We must, therefore, stay focused on our common national purpose.

Angry Jonathan Replies Obasanjo, Says Letter Self-Serving, Provocative

President Goodluck Jonathan has dismissed as “most reckless” and “unjustifiable” a fiercely scathing letter he received from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in which Mr. Obasanjo accused him of lying, condoning corruption, and leading Nigeria to the brink of collapse.

A statement by the president’s aide, Reuben Abati, said the allegations by the former president were “baseless and indecorous.”

The statement said Mr. Jonathan has directed his aides not to respond to the barrage of attacks and allegations from Mr. Obasanjo, listed in an 18-page letter exclusively published by PREMIUM TIMES.

Mr. Jonathan will personally respond to the charges at the “appropriate time”, the statement said.

President Goodluck Jonathan Places Stella Oduah On ‘Tactical Suspension’

President Goodluck Jonathan may have placed the embattled Minister of Aviation, Ms. Stella Oduah, on  “tactical suspension,” findings by The PUNCH have revealed. A reliable Presidency source   said Jonathan decided on the  “tactical suspension,” hours before the signing of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement between Nigeria and Israel on Monday.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Mr. George Ossi, had on October 24 told the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation that Oduah   led a Nigerian delegation to Israel to sign the BASA.

The House committee is probing the purchase of two bulletproof cars at a whopping N255m price by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority for the minister.

Our source explained that it was the ‘tactical suspension’ that made Jonathan to direct the Minister of State (1) for Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, to sign the agreement instead of Oduah.