Goodluck Jonathan, the former president, has explained why his government chose not to implement the 2014 National Conference’s recommendations.
He expressed this on Sunday when he travelled to Lagos with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to visit the family of the late Afenifere Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, to offer condolences.
According to Jonathan, the political climate in Nigeria at the time was too unstable to enact the recommendation of the conference.
Jonathan said that without the efforts of individuals like the late Adebanjo, the 2014 National Conference would not have been possible.
Adebanjo passed away in Lagos on February 14, 2025. He was 96 years old.
Jonathan noted that several individuals had repeatedly questioned him about why he didn’t implement the conference’s recommendations.
He claims that the majority of Nigerians are unaware that the nation was experiencing significant political unrest at the time.
He said that a key member of the legislature, who was in his party, mobilised against him and moved to another party.
Jonathan added that some persons were ready to bring his administration down at that time.
“It was not the time we could present such a document.
“Thank God for everything. We believe that one day, one government will review it and take everything,” he said.
He said the recommendations came from credible Nigerians who were not politically influenced.
“We believe the outcomes are still very relevant for our society.”
Jonathan and Abubakar were received at different times by the children of the late elder statesman led by Obafemi Ayo-Adebanjo.
Members of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, led by Oba Oladipo Olaitan, were also present during the visits.
Jonathan, accompanied by Sierra Leone’s ex-president Ernest Bai Koroma, former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, and other political stalwarts, arrived at Adebanjo’s Lekki residence at 1.57 pm.
Abubakar, who arrived at about 3 p.m., was also accompanied by some PDP chieftains, including Chief Dele Momodu and Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran, the 2023 PDP governorship candidate for Lagos State.
At a meeting with the children of the deceased and members of Afenifere, Jonathan described Adebanjo as a Nigerian leader, not just an Afenifere leader.
He said, “Our dear leader was not the leader of Afenifere alone. He was a leader of this country.
“He was a man with enormous wisdom, courage and willingness to do the right thing for this country.
“He believed in truth and justice. No nation can grow when there is no truth and no justice.
“Those were the things he was known for. We are not surprised that he led the Afenifere credibly well.”
“He meant the best for this country,” he added.
Speaking, Atiku also described Adebanjo as a great leader.
He said that Adebanjo’s death was a huge loss to his immediate family and those who admired him.
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“It is quite true that this house has hosted me a couple of times. I took away from this house virtues that Pa Adebanjo stood for and preached all his life.
“It is a matter of honour that after his demise, we should come and pay respect for his contributions to the unity and peaceful co-existence of this country.
“It is my singular honour and privilege to identify with his immediate family at this difficult time. We thank God that he lived a worthy life.
“We are here to condole with the family to let them know that we share in the loss because he was also a father to us. He was an adviser and a guide in what we are set to do for this country,” Atiku said.
Later in the evening, Atiku, Jonathan and a host of other PDP chieftains and several dignitaries proceeded to a dinner organised by former President Olusegun Obasanjo at The Delborough Hotel, Victoria Island, in Lagos.
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki also attended the dinner.
