Former President Goodluck Jonathan has disclosed that the failure to implement the report of the 2014 National Conference was due to betrayal and political maneuvers aimed at undermining his administration. He made this revelation during a condolence visit to the residence of elder statesman and leader of Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, where he was accompanied by notable figures, including former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Koroma, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Bode George, former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Timi Alaibe, and Chief Executive Officer of Badagry Port Development Limited, Didi Ndiomu, among others.
Jonathan recounted how key political figures, including the then Speaker of the House of Representatives, worked against him, creating a hostile environment that made it impossible for his government to act on the recommendations of the conference. According to him, these individuals mobilized efforts to destabilize his administration, prioritizing political power struggles over national interest. He noted that the political climate at the time was turbulent, leaving little room for the execution of policies that could have reshaped the nation.
Despite the challenges, Jonathan expressed pride in the outcome of the 2014 National Conference, which he described as an unprecedented gathering of over 500 Nigerians from diverse backgrounds, convened to deliberate on fundamental issues affecting the country. He emphasized that the conference report contained transformative recommendations that, if implemented, could have significantly addressed the nation’s structural and governance challenges. He, however, remained hopeful that the document, which was compiled without political bias, would one day be revisited and implemented for the betterment of the country.
During the condolence visit, Jonathan paid tribute to Pa Adebanjo, describing him as a revered nationalist who dedicated his life to the pursuit of democracy, justice, and good governance. He lauded the Afenifere leader for his unwavering commitment to national unity and progressive ideals.
Similarly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who also visited the Adebanjo residence, extolled the late leader’s contributions to democracy in Nigeria. He described him as a man of integrity who remained steadfast in his beliefs, regardless of political pressures. Atiku was accompanied by prominent political figures, including Dele Momodu, the Director of Strategic Communications for his 2023 presidential campaign, and Lagos PDP governorship candidate Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor.
The series of condolence visits underscored the late Adebanjo’s influence in Nigeria’s political landscape and his enduring legacy as a champion of democratic values. His passing has drawn tributes from across the political spectrum, highlighting his role as a fearless advocate for good governance and national development.
