Goodluck Jonathan |
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.”
No comments:
Post a Comment
Disclaimer: Comment expressed do not reflect the opinion of African Parliamentary News