Former President Jonathan said during his reception in Bayelsa yesterday
that before he became deputy governor of the state, he had no interest
in politics. Narrating how he dabbled into politics, Jonathan said,“It all started with me and Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha. I knew
Alamieyeseigha when he wanted to contest the governorship of Bayelsa
State under the defunct United Nigeria Congress Party. That was the
first time I knew Alamieyeseigha. We formed groups in every local
governments – two persons to sign petition to enable Alamieyeseigha to
contest. But a late Chief Judge asked me and one person from Ogbia to
sign the petition. Even though I was a civil servant, I signed the
document. I was in the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development
Commission then. Of course, when he started his campaign, I joined.
His story is very interesting. Continue to read it plus photos from the reception after the cut...
"Not because I was interested in any
elective office, but what drove me into joining Alamieyeseigha’s team
was that those of us from very small communities always have problems
and sometimes you have to run to government for assistance. I felt that
if I worked with him and luckily he won, I would know some of the people
in government.post by expdonaloaded.blogspot.com..“When
electioneering started after Abdusalami Abubakar took over,
Alamieyeseigha did not call me. But somewhere along the line because we
had worked together, one evening, one Bozimo and another person came to
my house and asked me to run with Alamieyeseigha as deputy governor.“I was living in Port Harcourt then and I
knew how primaries work and I said I would think about it. In fact, the
following day, I told Bozimo that I was not interested, but the whole
thing changed later. The detail will come later. That was how Bozimo and
Alamieyeseigha brought me in and during the election, we won.“From 1999 to date, my people and
Nigerians have given me rare opportunity, rare privilege. I was deputy
governor, governor, vice-president and President of the country. I am
grateful to all Nigerians.”“Nigerians have given me so
much that I cannot stay back. That is why I maintain that we need peace
in this country. We need development in this country. Political crises
don’t bring development. And I believe the new administration
will work with all Nigerians and make sure Nigerians are happy. I am
indeed happy about the statement the President made that he did not
belong to any clique, but to Nigerians. I congratulate him for that." (Punch)
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