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Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Politics / I Arrived Eagle Square As President And Returned A Common Man - Goodluck Jonatha (572 Views)
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I Arrived Eagle Square As President And Returned A Common Man - Goodluck Jonatha by Nduka590(m): 7:37am On Nov 24, 2018 |
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has recalled with nostalgia his last moments at the Presidential Villa as the number one citizen of Nigeria and how he ended up at the Eagle Square as a common citizen after handing over to his successor, Muhammadu Buhari at a colourful ceremony on May 29, 2015. Jonathan’s recollection is contained in his book: ‘My Transition Hours’, which was unveiled in Abuja on Tuesday at a colourful event, attended by top political, economic and financial player from within and outside Nigeria. In the book, which has already triggered debates among Nigerians, Jonathan also explained why he decided to attend the ceremonial handing over ceremony at the Eagle Square without his wife, Patience. According to him, his wife had been touched by the events of the last few weeks and was not prepared for more shocks and had therefore gone ahead to wait for him at the Presidential Wing of the Abuja International Airport for their final journey to Otuoke, Bayelsa State. Jonathan recalls: “The morning of Friday May 29, 2015 began very early. It was the D-Day for the inauguration of the President billed to commence at 10.00 AM. The event expected to be witnessed by no less than 20 world leaders, was being held at the Eagle Square, Abuja. The day was certainly going to be interesting and I felt ready for whatever emotion came my way. Today, after the oath-taking ceremony, I would finally be going home! “This was an event I had chosen to undertake alone so my wife did not accompany me. Dressed in a black woko, my traditional attire and my signature fedora hat, I walked out into the beautiful sunshine and got into my official car. “The members of staff of the Presidential Villa, including cleaners, cooks, washer men, security men and more, were gathered outside the Glass House, which had become my official residence after I ordered the main residence to be renovated for the incoming President. “I bade them farewell and with tearful eyes, they waved at me and in unison chorused, ‘bye bye Sir’. I entered my car and the convoy moved. I was missing them already. These were very hard-working Nigerians of diverse tribes and tongues who had served their president well. “Azibaola Robert, my cousin, had come that morning to move my personal effects to the car alongside Waripamowei Dudafa and some of my immediate security aides. Before I left the State House for the Eagle Square, I had inspected the last guard of honour mounted by the Brigade of Guards at the inner gate of my residence. It was symbolic because it would be the last inspection of the State House Guard of Honour. “My thoughts reverted to the official swearing in ceremony that I would be participating shortly. The convoy came to a stop at Eagle Square and I exited the car. I went on to greet a few people and was thereafter ushered up the platform where I was to receive the national salute. “Next on the programme, the commander sought my permission for the parade to begin. After giving the permission I went to take my seat next to the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, and his wife, Aisha and my vice president, Arch. Nnamadi Sambo. “After President Buhari had taken his oath of office, it was time for me to leave. I waved at the crowd. To my surprise, I noticed some of the attendees had misty eyes. This struck me because I believe almost all of them were either members of President Buhari’s party, relatives or friends. “I had arrived at the Eagle Square as President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with the full presidential convoy. After the ceremony, I ceased to be President. I was now like any other citizen of the Federal Republic, boarding my personal vehicle to be driven to the Abuja International Airport for the final part of the farewell ceremony in honour of an outgoing President”. “Pulling into the Abuja International Airport, I was happy to see my wife waiting for me. With her was a joyous throng of supporters, aides, ministers and party members. She did not have to ask; she knew what I had just been through. She touched my hand gently and together we boarded the flight that would take us to Port Harcourt International Airport. “As part of the inauguration ritual, we would fly the flagship of the official fleet, codenamed ‘Nigeria Air Force 001 or ‘Eagle One’. This was significant, as it would be my last official flight. “The trip was also an emotional one for me because I had worked with the pilots and crew for the last five years. We were like a family and they were flying me in an official capacity for the last time. Everyone was full of emotions. That flight remains one of the most treasured memories of my transition into private life. http://mognews.com/2018/11/24/i-arrived-eagle-square-as-president-and-returned-a-common-man/ 2 Likes |
Re: I Arrived Eagle Square As President And Returned A Common Man - Goodluck Jonatha by 99100(m): 8:19am On Nov 24, 2018 |
You left and no one replaced you. Aso rock is empty. 2 Likes |
Re: I Arrived Eagle Square As President And Returned A Common Man - Goodluck Jonatha by NLandIsHypocrit: 8:22am On Nov 24, 2018 |
Even the zombies are regretting ever loosing this man, but due to their arrogance and first-class zombiesm they pretend everything is ok. Some of them are now chanting PMB/PYO 2019-2023, but in a very clear and obvious reluctance. God bless the real man of integrity. God bless the face of Democracy. God bless the man whose political ambition is not worth the blood of his subjects. God bless the ambassador of peace and unity. God bless the advocate of freedom of speech and liberty to life. God bless the International Icon of good leadership. God bless Goodluck Ebere Jonathan. _____________________________ God punish the pseudo man of pseudo integrity. God punish the face of tyranny. God punish the man who soaked the baboons and monkeys in their blood. God punish the patron of horror and terrorism. God punish the enemy of freedom of speech and advocate of subjugation. God punish the face of International and world class embarrassment. God Punish Muhammadu Buhari wherever he is, even in Hell. God punish Jubril and all the cabals responsible for the present calamity in the dying country. 1 Like |
Re: I Arrived Eagle Square As President And Returned A Common Man - Goodluck Jonatha by Emitrix42(m): 8:23am On Nov 24, 2018 |
I'm so teary now. what manner of man God gave to Nigerians, and how they rejected him! God bless you Sir! Aso rock is really empty 2 Likes |
Re: I Arrived Eagle Square As President And Returned A Common Man - Goodluck Jonatha by Bigii(m): 8:27am On Nov 24, 2018 |
Oh' GEJ ![]() |
Re: I Arrived Eagle Square As President And Returned A Common Man - Goodluck Jonatha by Nobody: 9:23am On Nov 24, 2018 |
What comes around,goes around.Soldiers come,Soldiers go,but barrack remains. |
Re: I Arrived Eagle Square As President And Returned A Common Man - Goodluck Jonatha by FOLYKAZE(m): 9:55am On Nov 24, 2018 |
99100: There can never be another ineffectual buffon, Otueke-drunkard and shepopotamus in Aso Villa |
Re: I Arrived Eagle Square As President And Returned A Common Man - Goodluck Jonatha by onez: 10:16am On Nov 24, 2018 |
Very emotional my president. You are indeed a statesman in the caliber of your name sake. Rt Hon Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe. Your place in history is assured for good. Respect! |
Re: I Arrived Eagle Square As President And Returned A Common Man - Goodluck Jonatha by Nobody: 11:16am On Nov 24, 2018 |
you remain an icon my president, we have come to realize that you are a gift to this Nation. Imagine if you had not accepted the outcome of that election even with all its glaring irregularities, what would have been the situation of the country by now even as the incumbent already promised that dogs and baboons would be soaked in blood and his party promising to form a parallel government if they did not win the election. you have my respect forever despite all your shortcomings. |
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