Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday, November 7, described his journey to Nigeria’s highest office as “a political miracle.”
Jonathan spoke at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos, during the public presentation of books written by journalist and former presidential spokesperson, Dr Reuben Abati.
He said, “My political journey looked like a political miracle. From deputy governor to becoming president of this country within four years — it was a miracle. It’s only God that made it possible.”
The former president commended Abati for his intellectual contributions and for documenting his experience in government through writing.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who chaired the occasion, praised Abati for his transformation over the years as a journalist, political aide, and now author.
READ ALSO: 2027: Jonathan Not Eligible to Run for President — Justice Salami
He stressed the importance of truth as a foundation for success and nation-building.
Obasanjo said, “On what I regard as essential attributes of life for success and nation-building, I’m happy that now that you have seen it all, those essential attributes are as important to you today as they were to me then.
“The truth that I stood for at that time, you have now come to stand for. I am happy that in my lifetime, I can say I have a son in Reuben Abati who has matured, who has understood, who has progressed, and who is now on the path of success.
“And I want to say again, there’s a difference between progress and success. You’ve made progress; now you have to make success, and may God continue to help you to make success.”
In his remarks, Abati assured that more revealing works on the Jonathan presidency would be released in the future.