Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday declared that Nigeria’s political system is riddled with betrayals and dishonesty, stressing that loyalty remains a scarce commodity among politicians.
Jonathan, who spoke in Benin City at the 70th birthday celebration of his former Chief of Staff and ex-Deputy Governor of Edo State, Chief Mike Ogiadomhe, said his personal experience in office exposed him to the harsh realities of Nigerian politics.
The former president described Ogiadomhe as one of the few allies who remained steadfast during his tenure, particularly during the 2015 elections.
He said, “One of the few friends that gave up their necks when I became president is Mike. You know politics in the Nigerian standard is about betrayals. You find it difficult to see somebody who will say the same thing in the morning and in the evening. I’ve witnessed a lot of betrayals, especially during my 2015 elections, but Mike is somebody who would take a bullet on my behalf.
He is somebody whose word you can take to the bank. Most other politicians, you cannot take their words to the bank. They will tell you something, and the next hour they are saying another.”
Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, who represented Governor Monday Okpebholo, said Ogiadomhe’s legacies as deputy governor laid a strong foundation still guiding governance in the state.
Also speaking, former Edo State governor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, lauded Ogiadomhe’s dependability, recalling that he never hesitated to hand over state affairs to him whenever he travelled abroad.
On his part, former Edo State governor and senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, praised the celebrant for his consistency, that Ogiadomhe always stood firmly with Jonathan inoting n all political matters. He also commended his wife, Louisa, for being a strong pillar of support.
The birthday celebration attracted several dignitaries including former governors Lucky Igbinedion, Prof. Osarhiemen Osunbor, Adams Oshiomhole, and Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State.
Others in attendance were former deputy governors Rev. Peter Obadan, Pius Odubu, and Marvelous Omobayo, Edo State Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, alongside lawmakers, traditional rulers and other eminent Nigerians.
