President Goodlcuk Jonathan as a hero of democracy in Nigeria.
The former Vice President made the assertion on Wednesday during a courtesy
call on President Jonathan at his country home in Otuoke, Bayelsa State.
Atiku Abubakar, who recalled Jonathan’s exemplary decision to hand over the
reins of power without qualms, observed that that singular historic
decision set him apart as a democrat of unimpeachable credentials.
Atiku, while reflecting on Jonathan’s action that doused tension in the
country at that time, noted that the situation in Nigeria may have been
different if he (Jonathan) did not voluntarily relinquish power.
“I want to say without equivocation that history will be very kind to you.
As the democrat that I have always been, I want to say you have truly
excelled! If you did not excel as a democrat par excellence, I wonder what
the situation in Nigeria would be today”, Atiku said.
Atiku had during his visit to Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti called on
the APC to follow in the footsteps of Jonathan by accepting defeat if they
lose the election.
Responding, Jonathan commended Atiku for appointing former Governor of Ogun
State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel as Director General of the Atiku Presidential
Campaign Organisation.
He noted that Daniel’s choice as DG was spot on considering that as DG of
his own (Jonathan’s) Campaign in the South west, his hard work paid off and
was capped with huge electoral success in the zone.
He said that his relationship with Atiku dates back to more than 16 years
ago when he was Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State during which time the
Waziri Adamawa showed him friendship and support.
On his own part, Daniel paid tribute to Jonathan as the most educated
President Nigeria has ever had, who made it through the ranks as Deputy
Governor to becoming Vice President and subsequently President of Nigeria.
Atiku was in Bayelsa from where he moved to Port Harcourt on Wednesday in
continuation of his nationwide consultations for his 2019 presidential bid.