Former presidents and heads of state were absent yesterday at the inauguration of National Conference by President Goodluck Jonathan.
Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Shehu Shagari, former Military President Ibrahim Babangida, former heads of state Yakubu Gowon, Muhammadu Buhari and Abdulsalami Abubakar as well as head of interim government Chief Ernest Shonekan did not attend the ceremony.
It was advertised earlier that the former leaders would attend the inauguration of the national confab.
During the inauguration of the National Political Reform Conference convened by Obasanjo on February 21, 2005, Gowon, Shagari, Abdulsalami, Babangida and Shone-kan were all in attendance.
On the other hand, even though the All Progressives Congress (APC) did not nominate delegates, two of its governors attended the inauguration. They are Adams Oshiomhole of Edo and Rochas Okorocha of Imo state.
Other governors who attended included Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom, Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta, Liyel Imoke of Cross River and Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo.
Among the 19 northern governors only Taraba State Acting Governor Garba Umar was present. Kogi and Niger governors sent their deputies, Yomi Awoniyi and Ahmed Musa Ibeto respectively.
Ministers present include Aliyu Gusau (Defence), Labaran Maku (Information), Bala Muhammad (FCT), Diezani Alison-Madueke (Petroleum), Tanimu Turaki (Special Duties), Boni Haruna (Youths), Muhammad Wakil (State for Power) and Muhammed Bello Adoke (Justice).
Hmmmmmmmmm. 2015 still not looking good.
These former Heads of State, for the most part, did Nigeria little or no good. So why worry about their absence? Except for the firing of Lamido Sanusi, the former governor of the Central Bank by this President, at a time when we are looking for answers as to how $20.00b disappeared. I think we can rely on him(GEAJ0 to chart the course of Nigeria’s ship in our treacherous waters. The fact that those former heads of State did not attend should not dissuade him from doing what he is convinced is right. I think their refusal to show up is more of a psychological thing to psyche out the President. He should not be bothered by all those intimidating situations. My respect for this President is now at 65%. It will be complete to 100% if he can give us the ready explanations as to where that money Lamido Sanusi is talking about.
I love our President Goodluck. ‘Good luck’ is all I am wishing him . He should, however not contest the next election because he has no agenda for the country. Isn’t it time ‘smart’ rather than ‘popular’ or ‘rich’ Nigerians captain the Nigrian ship? Nigerians have tried Jonathan. He has nothing knew to offer. He should honorably bow out!
The absence of Obasanjo, IBB, Shagari and others did not diminish the high profile and success of the inauguration in any way. Rather, it gave all the media spotlight to President Jonathan who was the man of the moment. I always believe that to whom much is given, much is expected. If they turned down the presidential invitation, it is a big minus to their prestige and honour.
Who needs their presence, anyway? All we need is a successful Nigerian people’s conference which none of the absentees were able to offer Nigerians. OBJ tried with all the powers he wielded but failed. Why will he not be jealous!
Others didn’t even think Nigerians deserve one.
So, more grease to your elbows and even arms GEJ. May you succeed where ethers failed.