Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan clarified on Sunday why his administration did not put into action the 2014 National Conference’s recommendations.
He made this known while mourning with the family of late Afenifere Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, in Lagos with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
The News Agency of Nigeria quotes Jonathan as having said that the political environment in Nigeria at the time made it not possible to submit the proposals.
Jonathan told us that the 2014 National Conference would never have seen the light of day but for individuals such as the late Adebanjo.
Adebanjo died on February 14, 2025 in Lagos. He was 96 years old.
According to Jonathan, several people had been asking him the question: why he failed to execute the recommendations of the conference.
In his view, the majority of Nigerians do not understand that Nigeria experienced deep political crisis at the time.
He elucidated that one of the popular legislature party members in his party rallied against him and defected to another party.
Jonathan went on to expound that there were those who were ready to bring down his government at the time.
“It was not the time we could present such a document.
“Thank God for everything. We believe that one day, one government will review it and take everything,” he said.
He said the recommendations came from credible Nigerians who were not politically influenced.
“We believe the outcomes are still very relevant for our society.”
Jonathan and Abubakar were received at different times by the children of the late elder stateman led by Obafemi Ayo-Adebanjo.
Members of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, led by Oba Oladipo Olaitan, were also present during the visits.
Jonathan, accompanied by Sierra Leone’s ex-President Ernest Bai Koroma, former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, and other political stalwarts, arrived at Adebanjo’s Lekki residence at 1.57pm.
Abubakar, who arrived about 3 p.m, was also accompanied by some PDP chieftains, including Chief Dele Momodu and Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran, the 2023 PDP governorship candidate for Lagos State.
At a meeting with the children of the deceased and members of Afenifere, Jonathan described Adebanjo as a Nigerian leader, not just an Afenifere leader.
He said, “Our dear leader was not the leader of Afenifere alone. He was a leader of this country.
“He was a man with enormous wisdom, courage and willingness to do the right thing for this country.
“He believed in truth and justice. No nation can grow when there is no truth and when there is no justice.
“Those were the things he was known for. We are not surprised that he led the Afenifere credibly well.”
“He meant the best for this country,” he added.
Speaking, Atiku also described Adebanjo as a great leader.
He said that Adebanjo’s death was a huge loss to his immediate family and those who admired him.
“It is quite true that this house has hosted me a couple of times. I took away from this house virtues that Pa Adebanjo stood for and preached all his life.
“It is a matter of honour that after his demise, we should come and pay respect for his contributions to the unity and peaceful co-existence of this country.
“It is my singular honour and privilege to identify with his immediate family at this difficult time. We thank God that he lived a worthy life.
“We are here to condole with the family to let them know that we share in the loss because he was also a father to us. He was an adviser and a guide in what we are set to do for this country,” Atiku said.
Later in the evening, Atiku, Jonathan and a host of other PDP chieftains and several dignitaries proceeded to a dinner organised by former President Olusegun Obasanjo at The Delborough Hotel, Victoria Island, in Lagos.
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki also attended the dinner.
