Former President Goodluck Jonathan has described Nigeria’s political environment as characterized by widespread betrayals and dishonesty, while praising the unwavering loyalty of his former Chief of Staff, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe.
Jonathan made these remarks on Thursday during the 70th birthday celebration of Oghiadomhe, who also served as deputy governor of Edo State, at a ceremony held in Benin City, Edo State. The event attracted several prominent political figures, including former governors Lucky Igbinedion, Osarhiemen Osunbor, Adams Oshiomhole, and Ibrahim Dakwambo of Gombe State.
Speaking at the celebration, Jonathan highlighted the rarity of finding trustworthy allies in Nigerian politics, emphasizing that Oghiadomhe stands out as one of the few individuals he can count on completely. The former president expressed deep appreciation for Oghiadomhe’s consistent loyalty throughout his political career.
Jonathan reflected on the challenges he has faced in politics, particularly noting the difficulties of identifying reliable associates in an environment where consistency is uncommon. He observed that finding someone who maintains the same position from morning to evening has become increasingly difficult in the current political climate.
The former president specifically referenced his experiences during the 2015 presidential election, describing it as a period when he witnessed numerous betrayals from people he had trusted. Against this backdrop, he praised Oghiadomhe as someone who demonstrated exceptional loyalty and would make significant personal sacrifices on his behalf.
Jonathan’s candid assessment of Nigerian politics underscores the complex relationships and trust issues that characterize the country’s political landscape, while highlighting the value he places on genuine loyalty in political relationships. His comments provide insight into the personal challenges faced by political leaders in maintaining trusted circles amid the competitive and often unpredictable nature of Nigerian politics.
