My Transition - Jonathan Ebele REMADE (B), page 12
look, most of the recommendations and suggestions were based on
the need to give our country a working architecture of governance.
The findings resulted in ways that our politics could run more
smoothly. Unfortunately, we were unable to implement the report,
because of the shortness of time, as we already entered the election
season at the submission of the report .
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I did emphasize the importance of the conference the day I
inaugurated it when I said:"The conference is being convened to
engage in intense introspection about the political and socio-
economic challenges confronting our nation and to chart the best
and most acceptable way for the resolution of such challenges in the
collective interest of all the constituent parts of our fatherland.
This coming together under one roof to confer and
build a fresh national consensus for the amicable resolution of issues
that still cause friction amongst our people must be seen as an
essential part of the process of building a more united, stronger and
progressive nation. We cannot continue to fold our arms and
assume that things will straighten themselves out in due course,
instead of taking practical steps to overcome impediments on our
path to true nationhood, rapid development and national
prosperity.”
And when I accepted the report on August 21, 2014, I made the
following remarks among others:
"I I am very satisfied that the Delegates navigated these obstacles in a
very mature manner. There were those who set out to input ulterior
motives to our modest efforts at reshaping and strengthening the
foundations of our nationhood to deliver better political cohesion
and greater development agenda. The naysayers raised false alarms
over some phantom hidden agenda and called to question our
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sincerity and did everything possible to derail this noble project.”
"The success of this conference has proved the cynics wrong in
many respects. Those who dismissed the entire conference ab initio
as a “diversion” have been proved wrong as what you achieved has
contrary to their forecast diverted our country only from the wrong
road to the right direction.”
"They said the conference would end in a deadlock as Nigeria had
reached a point where the constituent parts could no longer agree on
any issue. We exploded that myth by suggesting that you should
arrive at your decisions by consensus or 75% majority threshold.”
"That was the first challenge you had at this conference when it
appeared you were going to break up. There were suggestions that
we should intervene as government to “save” the conference at that
dicey moment but I insisted that beyond the inauguration we were
not going to intrude into the conference in any manner. We kept our
promise.”
"One of the many reasons for our non-interference is this: we have
at the conference, 492 delegates and six conference officials who all
in their individual rights are qualified to lead our great country and if
they were unable to agree on how to take decisions, we would be in
real trouble! Acknowledging the quality and patriotic content of the
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delegates, I was confident, the right thing will be done.”
The chairman of the conference Justice Legbo Kutigi in speech
emphasized clearly that this was a free discussion by Nigerians
about the future of Nigeria when he said: "Let me state here
categorically and with the fear of Almighty Allah in my heart, that
not once did you interfere or dictate to us in the course of this
Conference. The only time we tried to consult the President during
the conflict over voting percentages at the very beginning of the
Conference we were told that the issue was for us to resolve. At no
time after that did you meet with us or speak to us."
The President-elect took the material graciously from me, and I felt
confident of its success for a better Nigeria if implemented. I
ensured also that the report was laid before the National Assembly
as I firmly believe that in those 600 recommendations lie a good
future for our country.
“The best advertisement for good governance is its
positive expressions of happiness in the lives of the
governed.”
~ Goodluck Jonathan
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10
“I had arrived at Eagle Square as the President
and Commander and Chief of the Armed Forces
of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with an
entire convoy. Now, after the ceremony, I
ceased to be President of Nigeria, and find
myself an ordinary citizen of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria, boarding my personal
vehicle to be driven to the Abuja International
Airport for the final part of the farewell
ceremony to honour an outgoing President”.
chapter ten
PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION
DINNER AND HANDOVER
(STATE HOUSE CONFERENCE CENTRE, PRESIDENTIAL VILLA, ABUJA)
The official countdown had begun. It was just hours ahead of the
swearing-in ceremony that would take place in Abuja on the
morning of Friday 29th,May,2015 T he arrival of distinguished
guests had started, and dinner celebrations were about to take place.
The sound of African music filled the air as each introduction was
announced auspiciously. There were past presidents and Heads of
state, ministers, leaders of political parties and sitting Presidents of
African countries.
The banquet hall at the State House was filled with a feeling of
exhilaration, This was a time for happiness—people, color, music, all
depicted the grandeur that integrated to the soft hum of
conversation, laughter and celebration anticipating this historic
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event. The room, gracefully decorated, contained large round tables
covered with crisp, white cloths that would seat 10-12 guests. The
tables elegantly positioned held tall fresh flowered centerpieces.
Everyone sat anxiously awaiting the commencement of the event.
Men were dressed in the traditional assorted formal tunics, in all
colors and women on the in company of their husbands, were
dressed in colorful, exquisite kaftans, and beautiful flowing silk
dresses. Their elaborate headdress galvanized opulence and fashion
while the men in traditional Nigerian dress held a dignified, if charm.
I was announced with the First Lady along with President-elect
Buhari, and we took our places. Right on cue, the military band stuck
up, and the National Anthem filled the room. Silence quickly fell as
the all too familiar words rang out. Everyone stood quietly in respect
of the Anthem. Then within seconds after it had finished, the song
of Nigeria jubilantly enveloped the room to the words of We Are
One echoing the sentiments of everyone present.
Excitement prevailed—the night had begun!
During my farewell address, after giving my respect and appropriate
acknowledgments, I was very brief. I had already spoken earlier that
day at length about my government's proposals and strategies, but at
the dinner we were celebrating, on the eve of my departure I was
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happy to thank everyone and bid them goodnight. After saying
goodbye, next on the agenda was a meeting with my ministers in the
Council Chambers tearoom. With everyone around me, it was
bittersweet, as the people whom I had come to regard as family and
friends over the last five years bid me farewell. One unique individual
who had become my friend and confidant over the years spoke for a
few minutes. He eloquently praised my efforts and warmly
acknowledged my persona, which I humbly accepted. He then
proposed a toast in my honour, at just a few minutes before
midnight. We raised our glasses and within seconds my cabinet
dissolved.
Friday May 29 – 2015
9.00 Hours Eagles Square Abuja
Handing Over ceremony
The next morning dawned very early. The day's event, expected to be
witnessed by no less than twenty world leaders, was being held at the
Eagle Square, Abuja—commonly known as the nation's hilly capital
city.
The day was certainly going to be interesting, and I felt ready for
whatever emotion came my way. It dawned on me I would
experience the sadness of an ending, the loss and friendship of my
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ministers, and the Party. It would be difficult to say goodbye, but
today after the handing over—I would finally be going home. The
First Lady did not accompany me. This was a trip that I would do
alone. Dressed in a full black traditional tunic with my favorite
Pandora hat, I walked out into the beautiful sunshine and got into my
official car. The motorcade proceeded to take the 10-minute drive to
Eagle Square. During the trip, I recalled some special memories of
the last five years. But surprisingly, I found myself reflecting on what
was next for me going into the future. As we neared the square, I saw
crowds lining the streets. My attention reverted to the official
swearing in ceremony that I would be participating in very shortly.
The motorcade came to a stop in Eagle Square, and I exited the car. I
went to greet a few people but was immediately ushered up the red
stairs to the platform where I was to receive the national salute.
I met with a grand, magnificent setting. The dignitaries and other
guests were all present dressed in traditional clothing. I went right
over and stood to overlook the parade ground, perpendicular to the
Commandeer of the Military dressed in full military green uniform
(with red stripes), and in his right hand was a brass sword held to
attention. He was seated on an equally magnificent white horse with
matching colors. It was an impressive sight. The Commander was
about to officiate the National Salute, the salute was formal and
dignified and lasted for some breathless minutes as everyone
participated in honour of our nation. The emotions I felt were
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sincere and not to be forgotten. I carefully folded that moment away
for a later date.
Next on the program, the Commander sought my permission for
the parade to start. After giving permission, I went to take my place
next to Buhari and his lovely wife, invited heads of State, and other
dignitaries. We all watched the impressive synchronized Military
Parade. After the parade was over, I waited for the swearing in
ceremony by the Chief Justice—witnessing the official handing over
of power to President Muhammadu Buhari, the flag ceremony, and
finally the pomp of the 21-gun salute.
After Buhari had taken his oath of office, under my watch, it was
time for me to leave and to walk away; I waved to the public at Eagle
Square. To my surprise I noticed some of the attendees had misty
eyes, this struck me because I believe that some were members of
the opposition party sparing a thought. I had arrived at Eagle Square
as the President and Commander and Chief of the Armed Forces
of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with an entire convoy. Now, after
the ceremony, I ceased to be President of Nigeria, and find myself
an ordinary citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, boarding my
personal vehicle to be driven to the Abuja International Airport for
the final part of the farewell ceremony to honour an outgoing
President.
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Port Harcourt Airport -Yenagoa - Otuoke
(GOING HOME)
Pulling into the Abuja International Airport, I was happy to see the
First Lady waiting for me. With her was a huge crowd of supporters,
aides, ministers, and party members. She didn't have to as for 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 Hartcourt
International Airport. As part of the inauguration ritual, we would
fly the flagship of the official fleet codename, “Nigerian Air Force
001” or “Eagle ONE”. This was significant, as it would be my last
official flight. The trip was 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 emotion.
That is all I want to say about that very special flight. It will remain
one of my treasured memories of my transition into private life. So
much was happening, and now I'm happy to share with the reader all
the experiences of my homecoming. An enormous crowd of friends
and supporters from all over the country met our arrival at Port
Harcourt, and many were from my South South geo-political zone.
They had come to welcome me warmly as I finished serving my
nation as President. The First Lady and I came down from the
aircraft with cheers, greetings, and pleasantries. I remember shaking
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hands with some of the senior dignitaries. The response we received
in Port Harcourt lifted my spirits and I couldn't believe that this was
happening to an outgoing president.
The First Lady and I made our way to the waiting helicopter that
would take us to my home state of Bayelsa. There we would
commence a well-planned homeward journey, traveling in a special
convoy, stopping at two different planned events, with celebrations
along the way.
The final destination and celebration would take place in my
hometown Otuoke. At this juncture I was most curious and not sure
what to expect, however in retrospect, I can happily describe the
experience as EUPHORIC!
In no time, we were nearing our destination. The First Lady sounded
her excitement looking out the window of the helicopter. We could
barely make out the crowd gathering to greet us, but as we got closer
my wife pointed to the splash of colours worn by hundreds of
women all anticipating our arrival. Some were in green and yellow,
many in orange and white and others in blue and white. They wore
matching clothing that signified their individual villages. As we got
closer, the women were all excitedly dancing to the music and waving
white handkerchiefs ready to welcome us.
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Our Arrival At Yenagoa Airport
The Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson had organized a
civic reception in our honour. Seeing my people celebrating and
welcoming me home gave me a sense of relief. They were not
devastated over my conceding defeat. Instead, they were pouring out
their love to me. I felt some mixed feelings while happy on one side; I
was also thinking about the course of future development. I was
going to miss so many individuals who had supported and worked
with me over the years.
We proceeded to touch down, and I must admit excitement was my
emotion—I was receiving such a welcome. The helicopter finally
came to a stop, and we exited onto a red carpet spread out for our
arrival. I looked and saw the line of ministers and government
officials waiting, standing in traditional dress, each wore a colourful
welcome home sash, embroidered with the state insignia around
their necks. Once the sound of the helicopter ceased, African music
was ringing out loudly coming from the local band of musicians. The
ladies danced and waved to Mama Peace, it was a wonderful welcome
for us and once again I was truly overwhelmed.
The Helicopter Arriving
I had been worried about what kind of reception I would receive in
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my home state of Bayelsa but witnessing the outpouring of love and
acceptance of the people, my fears quickly vanished.
The local radio flashed a report as we arrived:The hero of
Otuoke, former President Goodluck Jonathan has touched down in
Bayelsa State amidst fanfare and jubilation as a crowd of locals
thronged to welcome their beloved son. For the next few minutes
