•Goodluck Jonathan
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has lamented that Nigeria’s political space is characterised by betrayals and dishonesty.
Jonathan made the remark in Benin City yesterday during the 70th birthday celebration of his former Chief of Staff and former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Chief Mike Ogiadomhe, reports The Guardian.
Describing Ogiadomhe as a trusted ally, Jonathan said: “One of the few friends that gave up their necks when I became president is Mike. 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 during my 2015 elections, and Mike is somebody who would take a bullet on my behalf. He is somebody whose word you can take 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.”
Representing Governor Monday Okpebholo at the event, Edo State Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa said the foundation laid by Ogiadomhe during his tenure as deputy governor remains the model still being followed in the state.
Also speaking, former Governor Lucky Igbinedion said he had no hesitation in handing over the affairs of the state to Ogiadomhe whenever he travelled abroad, describing him as a dependable deputy.
Former Edo State governor and senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, also praised Ogiadomhe, saying that in all their political discussions, he always made it clear that “wherever Jonathan is, is where he would be.”
He also commended Ogiadomhe’s wife, Louisa, for being a strong support system.
The birthday celebration drew an array of dignitaries including former governors Lucky Igbinedion, Prof. Osarhiemen Osunbor, Adams Oshiomhole, and Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State.
Others present were former deputy governors Rev. Peter Obadan, Pius Odubu, and Marvelous Omobayo, Chief Judge of Edo State Daniel Okungbowa, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly Hon. Blessing Agbebaku who led other members of the assembly, as well as several traditional rulers and other notable personalities.
