Jonathan recalls how some of his aides deserted him after poll loss in 2015

Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday, April 6 said some of his aides and allies abandoned him after leaving office.

Jonathan made the comment while inaugurating the 6.25Km Sabon Kaura-Jos bypass road constructed by the Bauchi state government.

He commended Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi for standing by him even after he left office.

Punch quoted him as saying:

“It is not easy for somebody to work with you in Nigeria then, even after leaving office, that person still continues with that kind of strong relationship with you.

“I have been in government for a reasonable time, I have attained a number of levels starting from deputy governor and most of our experience is that after leaving office, some of the people you think that if they don’t see you will not eat, will just forget that you even exist.

“But this Senator Bala Mohammed, the governor of Bauchi state, is a good brother and he has invited me to inaugurate the first major project that he has completed. That is a big honour, and it is not the only inauguration, he even named the road after me as Goodluck Jonathan road.”

Jonathan commended Mohammed for his developmental strides in the state in less than two years of being in office.

In his response, the governor described Jonathan as his mentor who has made much impact in his life.

Jonathan had earlier stated that Nigeria is where it is today because of the leadership of family and friends, acquaintances rather than the ability and capability to deliver.

He said that the tradition in Nigeria is that before one can be appointed to an office or given a responsibility, he must know someone at the top, a development he said has taken the country backward.

The former president made the comment in reaction to Governor Mohammed's earlier statement that Jonathan appointed him the FCT minister during his time in power without knowing him.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, April 4, Jonathan joined Christians in Nigeria and all over the world in the celebration of Easter.

The ex-president shared an inspiring message on his official Facebook page, calling on all Christians to imbibe and sustain godly values of righteousness, peace, and justice.