Jonathan’s confession

At last, the former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, in an interview granted to Bloomberg studio London recently explained how he was pressurized by the state governors to deplete the foreign reserve from $18billion to as low as $2billion.He was quoted to have said “I thought the foreign reserved was meant to save for the rainy […]

At last, the former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, in an interview granted to Bloomberg studio London recently explained how he was pressurized by the state governors to deplete the foreign reserve from $18billion to as low as $2billion.He was quoted to have said “I thought the foreign reserved was meant to save for the rainy days, but some governors said it had to be shared during the economic difficulties. In terms of fighting corruption, we did a lot by not making money available for the public servants to steal”.He also remarked how his administration diversified  the economy through agriculture.
Although the former President has not been heard since the time his party lost election in 2015, the recent interview has opened up the Pandora box of what transpired between him and the then all powerful governors. From the interview granted, one must have deduced two things: firstly, he was trying to defend or exonerated himself from the corruption charges and poor performance of his government. To him, most of the state governors were part and parcel of the deal. What is good for the goose is also good for the gander. Secondly, he blew his own trumpet by explaining how he waged total war against corruption in the country.
Without mincing words, the former President’s confession is a wakeup call to those in position of power. He believed by dancing to the tune of some vested interest in decision making, one would regret in the future.
Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua,Kaduna State [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>