Former President Goodluck Jonathan has recalled his very final moments as the number one citizen of Nigeria.
Jonathan recalled how he ended up at the Eagle Square as a common citizen after handing over to his successor, Muhammadu Buhari on May 29, 2015.
Jonathan made the revelations in his new book, ‘My Transition Hours.’
The book was launched at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, on Tuesday to mark his birthday.
The former President also explained why his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, was not with him at the Eagles Square during the ceremonial handing over.
The former President reveals: “The morning of Friday May 29, 2015 began very early. It was the D-Day for the inauguration of the President billed to commence at 10.00 AM.
“The event expected to be witnessed by no less than 20 world leaders, was being held at the Eagle Square, Abuja. The day was certainly going to be interesting and I felt ready for whatever emotion came my way.
“Today, after the oath-taking ceremony, I would finally be going home! “This was an event I had chosen to undertake alone so my wife did not accompany me. Dressed in a black woko, my traditional attire and my signature fedora hat, I walked out into the beautiful sunshine and got into my official car.
“The members of staff of the Presidential Villa, including cleaners, cooks, washer men, security men and more, were gathered outside the Glass House, which had become my official residence after I ordered the main residence to be renovated for the incoming President.
“I bade them farewell and with tearful eyes, they waved at me and in unison chorused, ‘bye bye Sir’. I entered my car and the convoy moved. I was missing them already. These were very hard-working Nigerians of diverse tribes and tongues who had served their president well.
“Azibaola Robert, my cousin, had come that morning to move my personal effects to the car alongside Waripamowei Dudafa and some of my immediate security aides. Before I left the State House for the Eagle Square, I had inspected the last guard of honour mounted by the Brigade of Guards at the inner gate of my residence.
“It was symbolic because it would be the last inspection of the State House Guard of Honour.
“My thoughts reverted to the official swearing in ceremony that I would be participating shortly. The convoy came to a stop at Eagle Square and I exited the car. I went on to greet a few people and was thereafter ushered up the platform where I was to receive the national salute.
“Next on the programme, the commander sought my permission for the parade to begin. After giving the permission I went to take my seat next to the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, and his wife, Aisha and my vice president, Arch. Nnamadi Sambo.
“After President Buhari had taken his oath of office, it was time for me to leave. I waved at the crowd. To my surprise, I noticed some of the attendees had misty eyes. This struck me because I believe almost all of them were either members of President Buhari’s party, relatives or friends.
“I had arrived at the Eagle Square as President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with the full presidential convoy. After the ceremony, I ceased to be President.
“I was now like any other citizen of the Federal Republic, boarding my personal vehicle to be driven to the Abuja International Airport for the final part of the farewell ceremony in honour of an outgoing President.
“Pulling into the Abuja International Airport, I was happy to see my wife waiting for me. With her was a joyous throng of supporters, aides, ministers and party members.
“She did not have to ask; she knew what I had just been through. She touched my hand gently and together we boarded the flight that would take us to Port Harcourt International Airport.
“As part of the inauguration ritual, we would fly the flagship of the official fleet, codenamed ‘Nigeria Air Force 001 or ‘Eagle One’. This was significant, as it would be my last official flight.
“The trip was also an emotional one for me because I had worked with the pilots and crew for the last five years. We were like a family and they were flying me in an official capacity for the last time. Everyone was full of emotions. That flight remains one of the most treasured memories of my transition into private life.”
Jonathan made the revelations in his new book, ‘My Transition Hours.’
The book was launched at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, on Tuesday to mark his birthday.
The former President also explained why his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, was not with him at the Eagles Square during the ceremonial handing over.
The former President reveals: “The morning of Friday May 29, 2015 began very early. It was the D-Day for the inauguration of the President billed to commence at 10.00 AM.
“The event expected to be witnessed by no less than 20 world leaders, was being held at the Eagle Square, Abuja. The day was certainly going to be interesting and I felt ready for whatever emotion came my way.
“Today, after the oath-taking ceremony, I would finally be going home! “This was an event I had chosen to undertake alone so my wife did not accompany me. Dressed in a black woko, my traditional attire and my signature fedora hat, I walked out into the beautiful sunshine and got into my official car.
“The members of staff of the Presidential Villa, including cleaners, cooks, washer men, security men and more, were gathered outside the Glass House, which had become my official residence after I ordered the main residence to be renovated for the incoming President.
“I bade them farewell and with tearful eyes, they waved at me and in unison chorused, ‘bye bye Sir’. I entered my car and the convoy moved. I was missing them already. These were very hard-working Nigerians of diverse tribes and tongues who had served their president well.
“Azibaola Robert, my cousin, had come that morning to move my personal effects to the car alongside Waripamowei Dudafa and some of my immediate security aides. Before I left the State House for the Eagle Square, I had inspected the last guard of honour mounted by the Brigade of Guards at the inner gate of my residence.
“It was symbolic because it would be the last inspection of the State House Guard of Honour.
“My thoughts reverted to the official swearing in ceremony that I would be participating shortly. The convoy came to a stop at Eagle Square and I exited the car. I went on to greet a few people and was thereafter ushered up the platform where I was to receive the national salute.
“Next on the programme, the commander sought my permission for the parade to begin. After giving the permission I went to take my seat next to the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, and his wife, Aisha and my vice president, Arch. Nnamadi Sambo.
“After President Buhari had taken his oath of office, it was time for me to leave. I waved at the crowd. To my surprise, I noticed some of the attendees had misty eyes. This struck me because I believe almost all of them were either members of President Buhari’s party, relatives or friends.
“I had arrived at the Eagle Square as President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with the full presidential convoy. After the ceremony, I ceased to be President.
“I was now like any other citizen of the Federal Republic, boarding my personal vehicle to be driven to the Abuja International Airport for the final part of the farewell ceremony in honour of an outgoing President.
“Pulling into the Abuja International Airport, I was happy to see my wife waiting for me. With her was a joyous throng of supporters, aides, ministers and party members.
“She did not have to ask; she knew what I had just been through. She touched my hand gently and together we boarded the flight that would take us to Port Harcourt International Airport.
“As part of the inauguration ritual, we would fly the flagship of the official fleet, codenamed ‘Nigeria Air Force 001 or ‘Eagle One’. This was significant, as it would be my last official flight.
“The trip was also an emotional one for me because I had worked with the pilots and crew for the last five years. We were like a family and they were flying me in an official capacity for the last time. Everyone was full of emotions. That flight remains one of the most treasured memories of my transition into private life.”
from dailypost.
Same old story. Bad rulers every where.
ReplyDeleteYou dint even read...
DeleteHe made me feel sad, tears eyes, mama peace can be so romantic, I miss you my peaceful President
Only u walked out of that Villa same way u entered ' with ur life and ur wives' u shd b greatful the Evil of Aso Rock didn't drink ur blood nor that of ur wife. Ask OBJ ask Yaraduas wife. Let them call u names. U won ,u didn't mourn!!!
DeleteLet the drama rain, expression of interest in the position as president and why Mama Peace was in charge and you were so clueless in s lot of things
ReplyDeleteI should read this book.
ReplyDeleteYea, seems its gonna be an interesting read.
DeleteThis man should go and seat somewhere. Is it your father's throne? You spent 5yrs on a seat and another person won because of your ineficiency as a leader and A MAN. Buhari had contested countless times and always lost. If not becos of your gross negligence we won't have been SCAMMED by APC. Next year will come and we would sweep out the scam again and keep sweeping till we get it right.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your stolen loot in peace and stop crying over spilt milk.
Everyone is to be blame except you.
Agreed. If after four years you mess up, you will be voted and "rigged" out.
Deleteshut up,phone please just shut up@BnR
DeleteWhich part of what is written up there looked like he was complaining about leaving???
DeleteI don’t know how some of you comprehend o, like we dint all do comprehension in school, did he state is his right up that he dint want to leave, or that it’s his fathers throne, he just stated his experience which was an emotional one and you are saying all these, plus not everyone voted for buhari cus they wanted something diff, most of us in the north did it cus we dint want blood shed, the last time he lost I know what my eyes are not everyone actually wanted buhari.
DeleteThis is how you know brainless fools. When e reach to talk about tohtoh and fuck.. They go dey form say them sabi.
DeleteBut the truth is, they are empty upstairs.
I never knew Beds and Roses could be dis daft... chai.....
If by now you still say Goodluck was inefficient, then I sorry for U!!!
bed and roses you just sealed my opinion about how shallow you are...smh
DeleteHmmm... Very emotional moment.
ReplyDeleteHmmn.I think i am going to like this book.
ReplyDeleteE don do abeg! You did nothing for this country in your six years reign as president.
ReplyDeleteYour coming into power was a fluke because you were not prepared for such task.
So you still don’t know how to read and understand? Where did you see 6yrs?
DeleteAnd u upon all your reading and understanding forgot he got two years from Yar'Adua's death. Abi those two were for therapy?
DeleteNigerian History is not that Difficult, he started counting frm when he was Sworn in,which is Only A year and 5 months... Check ur facts...
DeleteIt looks like it is going to be an interesting read. I need to go look for it and buy.
ReplyDeleteanon 23:09 aka reno mockery is all over the comment section trying to convince people to read this trash of a book
DeleteWithout prejudice, the only president to ever do that in Nigerian history; hand over to opposition.
ReplyDeleteHmm! Military handing over to civilians - is that not opposition? Just asking.
DeleteNot
DeleteSo, Obasanjo didn't handover to Yaradua ba 😞
DeleteHow old are you again @anononymous 23:09? How is he the only president to handover to another incoming government?
DeleteCapt. Abdulsallam Abubakar handed over to Obasanjo, Ex President Matthew Obasanjo handed over to Yar'Adua.
Your clueless Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is actually the one that was not handed over to, right from the time of him being a deputy governor, to him becoming the governor, then vice president to him becoming the president.
Please, learn to read up to date current affairs, since you were born in mid or late 2000.
Read again, anon said hand over to opposition. Obj and Yaradua were both in PDP.
DeleteYou will for every be remembered my president.
ReplyDeleteOrubebe should write his own -disrupting a smooth transition.
ReplyDeleteHe should give it a rest please. The country is still in sham with all these plenty talks.
ReplyDeletePerfect gentleman
ReplyDeleteThief.almost everything is wrote in the book is a lie.you are the worst president in the history of nigeria
ReplyDeleteHe is for sure the worse president in the history of Nigeria.
DeleteIt was Oga Ruben Abati that wrote the book.
The man with PhD in zoology is very clueless like that, lol 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂
Speaking of clueless....
DeleteEven if Buhari doesn't read this book, he should please read this chapter so that he can start preparing for his own hand over next year.
ReplyDeleteYou are clueless just like former President Jonathan. Which book did Jonathan read that made him prepare for his handing over?
DeleteJust asking
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
DeleteHe is not talking about the aeroplane loaded with money and Deziani's loot etc
ReplyDeleteNo, he is not talking about that! Most Nigerians have short memory.
DeleteYou people are busy talking of Jonathan govt, what of Ikoyi gate?
DeletePeople say whatever u like, there is nothing wrong with relieving moments, he honourably stepped aside and those of saying he did nothing, you lie.... Railways, all projects commissioned by PMB were all his projects, in almost 4years, what has your PMB achieved apart from inflicting hardship on the people. Increased import duties, light tariffs, fuel etc yet Govt. Officials import cars with waivers with only the common man suffering the hike. Dollar went from 180 to over 500 till osibanjo made it 360. Same way they can also make it 200 or less but why will they?? When it's his wife, family and friends that obtain dollar at very cheap rate from CBN and flood it in the black market for profit reasons. This government is the most wicked I have ever seen, argue with your keypads, at least Jonathan's presidency still had human sympathy, prices were always used whenever the masses complained, ask me what APC APC Govt has ever done in favor of the common masses, let me stop here for now
ReplyDeletePeople say whatever u like, there is nothing wrong with relieving moments, he honourably stepped aside and those of u saying he did nothing, you lie.... Railways, all projects commissioned by PMB were all his projects, in almost 4years, what has your PMB achieved apart from inflicting hardship on the people. Increased import duties, light tariffs, fuel etc yet Govt. Officials import cars with waivers with only the common man suffering the hike. Dollar went from 180 to over 500 till osibanjo made it 360. Same way they can also make it 200 or less but why will they?? When it's his wife, family and friends that obtain dollar at very cheap rate from CBN and flood it in the black market for profit reasons. This government is the most wicked I have ever seen, argue with your keypads, at least Jonathan's presidency still had human sympathy, prices were always reduced whenever the masses complained, ask me what APC Govt has ever done in favor of the common masses, let me stop here for now
ReplyDeleteI remembered screaming my gut out that people sud not vote buhari then. I know Jonathan was not good enough but he was far better than this wicked man
ReplyDeleteNow I so want to read this book...
ReplyDeleteI've no desire to read this book cos I know they are laced with lies so he can look good in the public.
ReplyDeleteFor starters, he says some ministers in his cabinet then (including NOI)
advised him not to concede. Those ones have started coming out to deny the allegations with facts.
Blaming everyone for his loss except himself. You knew there were underage voters being registered in the north and took no step against it.
Thank you Bed and Roses for saying it as it is!
ReplyDeleteThis clueless man that is supposed to be resting in jail with that his heartless wife, has come to scam his sympathizers again.
Sinc you lots supporting him always like to say in a "sane clime", in that same sane clime, this man/woman would have been impeached and thrown in jail.
This Ojúkòkòrò of a man that turned Nigeria into a lawless and looting centre.
I heard the book was being pirated, that is actually the best part I have heard about this book.
Mr. Clueless, keep resting in your Otuke home and enjoy your looted wealth.
I don’t know how this is touching sha. Misty eyes kooor they were looking at you like “good riddance just be going abeg” he say misty eyes joker
ReplyDeleteAwwwwww... So emotional, my love for Good luck Jonathan... Perfect gentleman, God my future husband should be like this post very calm,simple and noble
ReplyDeleteex president Goodluck Jonathan is by far the best president Nigeria ever had. Go fuck urself if u don't like my opinion.
ReplyDeleteatleast GEJ did not clone himself in order to remain in office. He honourably conceded defeat unlike ur pmb day can kill d dog n baboon to stay in office.
ReplyDeleteGood read...
ReplyDeleteMissing GEJ
ReplyDelete