Former President Goodluck Jonathan has revealed how northern Muslim power blocs resisted transferring power to him after President Umaru Yar’Adua’s death in 2010.
In an interview with the Rainbow Book Club, which resurfaced on Saturday, Jonathan reflected on these events as captured in his memoir My Transition Hours.
Yar’Adua, a northern Muslim, became president in 2007 but died on May 5, 2010. Jonathan, then vice president, completed the term and later won the 2011 election.…CONTINUE READING
Jonathan explained that northern leaders preferred Yar’Adua to serve a full eight years before power returned to the South, likely to another Christian. “There’s always balancing between North and South, Muslims and Christians.
Yar’Adua’s health problems disrupted this plan, which is why even allowing me to act was an issue,” he said.
He disclosed that when Yar’Adua left for medical treatment, a letter meant to empower him as acting president was blocked.
“The constitution requires the president to inform the National Assembly for the vice president to act. Though the letter was written, Yar’Adua’s aide refused to submit it,” Jonathan noted.
This power vacuum forced the National Assembly to invoke the Doctrine of Necessity, formally making Jonathan acting president. “The country was tense under the North-South, Christian-Muslim divide,” he recalled.
Jonathan also revealed fears of a military coup at the time. A close associate even urged him to flee the State House for safety. He refused, saying, “It’s better they kill me in the State House so Nigerians know I was assassinated there, rather than outside where false stories could spread.”
He emphasized he had committed no crime, preferring to face any threat openly rather than live under suspicion.
