Former President Jonathan Calls for United Nigeria - allAfrica.com Former President Jonathan Calls for United Nigeria Former president Goodluck Jonathan has stressed the need for Nigerians to be united to enable the country to overcome some of the current challenges. Nigeria: Jonathan Meets Buhari, Says United Nigeria Greater Than Oil Leadership, 4 August 2016 Following threats by some militants in the Niger Delta region to declare a Republic, former President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said he was opposed to the disintegration of… Read more » Nigeria: Jonathan Says We Are Stronger Together As a Nation This Day, 3 August 2016 Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said everyone should work for a united Nigeria, saying we're stronger as one nation. Read more » Nigeria: World Will Forget Us If We Balkanize Nigeria - Jonathan Leadership, 3 August 2016 Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the world will forget Nigeria if its citizens allow the country to be balkanized. Read more » Nigeria: My Mission in Villa - Jonathan Vanguard, 4 August 2016 Former President Goodluck Jonathan has advocated a united Nigeria, saying the country would be better as one entity.

Read more » Nigeria: Jonathan Meets Buhari, Say We Need a United Nigeria Vanguard, 3 August 2016 Former President Goodluck Jonathan has advocated for a united Nigeria, saying that the country would be better of as such. Read more » Nigeria: What I Told Buhari - Jonathan Premium Times, 3 August 2016 Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday said he was against the disintegration of Nigeria, saying he was working with other leaders to find solutions to the renewed crisis… Read more » Nigeria: Former President Jonathan Calls for a United Nigeria Guardian, 3 August 2016 Former President Goodluck Jonathan has stressed the need for Nigerians to be united to enable the country to overcome some of her current challenges. Read more » Nigeria: Ex-President Jonathan Visits Buhari, Holds Talks Premium Times, 3 August 2016 Former President Goodluck Jonathan is currently holding a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the President's office at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

Read more » Nigeria: Buhari, Jonathan Hold Private Meeting in Aso Villa Vanguard, 3 August 2016 Former President Goodluck Jonathan is presently in a private meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Rock villa, Abuja. Read more » Nigeria: Wake Up and Smell the Coffee! This Day, 3 August 2016 It's time to stop making excuses for President Muhammadu Buhari and see through his evident short comings. Read more » InFocus Nigeria's Goodluck Jonathan, profile of a defeated president - BBC News BBC News Nigeria's Goodluck Jonathan, profile of a defeated president 31 March 2015 Close share panel Image copyright AFP Defeated in his bid for re-election in the 28 March poll, Nigeria's Goodluck Jonathan had a rapid and highly improbable rise to power, Until November 2009, he was serving out his time as a low-key deputy from the south of the country to a low-key president from the north. But then, President Umaru Yar'Adua was taken to hospital in Saudi Arabia and was not seen again in public until he died on 5 May 2010.

Step forward, Mr Jonathan. After months of political wrangling, Nigeria's elite finally accepted him as acting leader in February 2010 when the ailing president returned home, but remained too ill to govern. Barely 12 hours after Mr Yar'Adua's death, Mr Jonathan was sworn in as the new president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces of Africa's most populous nation - one of its most fractious democracies. Not bad for a man who had never been elected to major public office in his own right. 'Super pastors' He defied the governing People's Democratic Party's (PDP) tradition of alternating presidential power between north and south after two terms of office by winning the party's primaries. In 2011, he won his first election - for president - despite opposition claims of fraud. Goodluck Jonathan in focus: Born in 1957 in the oil-rich Niger Delta region, Mr Jonathan is a Christian from the Ijaw ethnic group. He is said to be extremely close to the "super pastors" of Nigeria's hugely popular Pentecostal churches. His family's trade was canoe-making, but he studied zoology at university.

He worked as an education inspector, lecturer and environmental protection officer before going into politics in 1998. Image copyright AFP Image caption Many illegal oil refineries exist in Nigeria's Bayelsa state, from where the president hails Just as his rapid rise to power in the federal government owed a lot to luck, so too did his promotion to state governor. Elected as deputy governor for his home state, Bayelsa, in 1999, he was once again serving his time without particular distinction. Until, that is, his boss was impeached on corruption charges. 'Meteoric rise' Mr Jonathan took over as governor and two years later was hand-picked by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to run on the PDP's ticket as vice-presidential candidate in 2007. PDP insiders regarded him as a politician without a political base - and more of an administrator than a leader. Image copyright Reuters Image caption Mr Jonathan was chosen as the PDP's presidential candidate for 2015 without a contest It had been suggested that Nigeria's many groups of powerbrokers agreed to let Mr Jonathan formally become acting president only because he was not seen as a threat.

But he threw his hat into the ring at the PDP primaries and with several central and northern states backing him, proved his political acumen. "There has not been any rise that's been so meteoric in Nigeria," analyst Charles Dokubo said in 2010. On the relevance of the acting president's name, he said: "What is luck? Luck is when you can take advantage of an opportunity. He was in the right place at the right time." Image copyright AFP Image caption Ex-military ruler Muhammadu Buhari beat Mr Jonathan Journalist Ben Shemang is among the many Nigerians who believe Mr Jonathan's name had given him an advantage. He told the BBC that Mr Jonathan was doubly lucky as his other given name was equally propitious - Ebele, which means "God's wish". "That tells you that it was the wish of the parents for him to be successful," he said. Amnesty But Mr Jonathan's luck finally ran out when he lost the 28 March presidential election to Gen Muhammadu Buhari. This has made him the first sitting president to be defeated in a Nigerian election.

Image copyright AFP Image caption An insurgency waged by militant Islamists has caused havoc in the north Image copyright AFP Image caption Boko Haram has vowed to create an Islamic state in Nigeria Some analysts say this is not surprising. Mr Jonathan suffered a major blow in December 2013 when Mr Obasanjo, his former backer, called on him to step down. In a widely circulated 18-page letter, Mr Obasanjo accused him of failing to deal with the many problems facing Nigeria - including an Islamist insurgency in the north-east, corruption, piracy, kidnapping and oil theft. A powerful faction of PDP members, including state governors and MPs, also defected to the newly formed opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). This paved the way for Mr Jonathan's defeat, as they rallied support for Gen Buhari. But Mr Jonathan called him to congratulate him, confounding critics who thought he would not give up power. President Goodluck Jonathan - OnlineNigeria.com President Goodluck Jonathan View Comments Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, GCFR, BNER, GCON (born 20 November 1957 is the 14th Head of State and current President of Nigeria.

Prior to his role as President, he served as Governor of Bayelsa State and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Jonathan is a member of the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP). Early and personal life Jonathan was born in what is now Bayelsa State to a family of canoe makers. Jonathan holds a B.S. degree in Zoology in which he attained Second Class Honours. He holds an M.Sc. degree in Hydrobiology and Fisheries biology, and a Ph.D. degree in Zoology from the University of Port Harcourt. He worked as an education inspector, lecturer, and environmental-protection officer. He entered politics in 1998. Jonathan and his wife Patience have two children. He is a Christian. He comes from the Ijaw. Presidency Jonathan (fifth from right) standing with other world leaders at a meeting of the Economic Community of West African States in July 2010. President Umaru Yar'Adua died on 5 May 2010. Goodluck Jonathan was sworn in as Yar'Adua's successor on the following day, becoming Nigeria's 14th Head of State.

He cited anti-corruption, power and electoral reforms as focuses of his administration. He stated that he came to office under "very sad and unusual circumstances". On 18 May 2010, the National Assembly approved Jonathan's nomination of former Kaduna State governor, Namadi Sambo, an architect, for the position of Vice President. On 29 June 2010, Jonathan launched a Facebook page;He promised to interact more with Nigerians. On 2 August 2010 Jonathan launched 'Roadmap for Power Sector Reform‘, achieving stable electricity in Nigeria. 2011 election On 15 September 2010, the president announced on Facebook that he had decided to run for reelection. This made him the first Nigerian president to declare his re-election bid via social media. It was a northern Muslim candidate's turn to run for the presidency. He won with 77.7% of valid votes cast. On 18 April, Jonathan was declared the winner of the election. His victory was, however, followed by violence in the north over claims of vote rigging.

Ministerial nominations and appointments In 2011, the Nigerian President failed to nominate and appoint at least 36 indigenes (one for each of the 36 states). This is in breach of article 147 subsection (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999: "...the President shall appoint at least one Minister from each State, who shall be an indigene of such State". Removal of fuel subsidy On 13 December 2011, the 2012 fiscal year's budget removed any provisions for fuel subsidy. The issue of fuel subsidy removal in Nigeria has always been a controversial topic. According to a poll carried out by the Alliance for Credible Elections (ACE- Nigeria), 80% of Nigerians opposed the plan to remove fuel subsidy. On 1 January 2012, the Jonathan administration announced the start of a controversial plan to end fuel subsidies.[18] Many prominent Nigerians have spoken out against the removal of fuel subsidy by the Jonathan administration.

Former Petroleum Minister Professor Tam David-West has spoken out and expressed concern that the planned removal of fuel subsidy will squeeze the economy, increase inflation, and hurt both businesses and the public. A former military Head of State and a former Minister for Petroleum & Natural Resources, General Buhari, urged President Jonathan not to remove fuel subsidy and to tackle corruption. General Yakubu Gowon, another former military Head of State, has warned the government that the country's infrastructure should be revived before fuel subsidy removal steps are taken. Former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, joined millions of Nigerians protesting against the removal of fuel subsidy by the Jonathan administration, saying that the action is ill-timed. Following the The Nigeria Labour Congress' warning that the country faces many strikes, the country unions followed up with strikes that were matched with civil protests from 9–13 January 2012. Protesters and groups called for President Jonathan to resign over the removal of fuel subsidies. After five days of national protests and strikes, on 16 January, Jonathan announced that the pump price of petroleum would be 97 naira per liter.

1st October 2010 Independence Day Bomb Blast During his South African magistrate court trial on 2 May 2012, MEND's (Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta) former leader Henry Okah came out and insisted that President Jonathan masterminded bomb attacks. He told the court that President Jonathan and his aides organised the October 1, 2010 independence day bomb attacks in Abuja in a desperate political strategy to demonize political opponents, including the former military President General Ibrahim Babangida, and to win popular sympathy ahead of the 2011 elections. The Nigerian Presidency has denied the allegations of terrorism levelled against President Jonathan. A media statement was issued on 2 May 2012, acknowledging the accusations from Okah.

The statement went on to say that: “The Presidency categorically affirms that these allegations are false in their entirety and without any factual foundation." The Presidency also expressed no interest in commenting further for the time being, but plans to "make a full representation on the matter to the court when the trial opens." Renaming of the University of Lagos In May 2012, President Jonathan changed the name of the University of Lagos, renaming it the Moshood Abiola University in honour of the late MKO Abiola. The action drew attention from critics -- among them were pro-Abiola advocates and parties involved with the university. Some critics cited that the President did not submit an appropriate bill to the legislature for the change; that the University's brand name should not be tampered with. The UNILAG Alumni Association commented that although they do not have prejudice against MKO Abiola, they were concerned "that neither the Governing Council nor the University Senate nor any other stakeholder was consulted before the change was announced." Bola Tinubu congratulated Jonathan for taking action, but urged him to "do it right", adding that "we must be careful not to localise or sectionalise MKO".

The President has attempted to regularize the renaming of the school by submitting a bill for an amendment of the University's establishing law to the legislature. Security challenges On 26 August 2011, after the UN building in Abuja was bombed by Boko Haram, Jonathan announced that it was not merely an attack on Nigeria, but on the international community. He told reporters that "we would work together with the UN and other world leaders to ensure that terrorism is brought under control. On Christmas Day, after a church was bombed and more violence occurred in the north, Jonathan came in for more criticism over the security challenge in the country. Further attacks occurred on Christmas and in early January 2012, claimed by Boko Haram. In addition to the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta's attack on a oil pipeline on 4 February 2012 in Bayelsa, the Senate President David Mark stated that the security situation in the country is "intolerable." Article "tagged" as: Goodluck Jonathan: Leader Profile | POLITICAL LEADERS Goodluck Jonathan: Leader Profile Today we look at Goodluck Jonathan, President of Nigeria.

Nigeria is important to look at because: Nigeria has the largest economy in Africa Nigeria is the largest OPEC country in Africa relying heavily on oil revenue Democratic presidential elections are to be held in March 2015 and has a risk of violence The violent group, Boko Haram has operations in Northern Nigeria Nigeria is around 50% larger than Afghanistan Nigeria is a country with two significantly large distinct religious groups The median age of Nigeria’s population is 18-19 years old Nigeria has significant diasporas in Europe and the United States Nigeria has a history of violent struggle, weak democratic institutions and corruption China and Nigeria have a significant trading relationship under the current regime Nigeria’s economic and demographic profile has all the ingredients for fragmentation, state fragility/failure and harbouring extremism. Should Nigeria devolve as a result of weak and failed leadership, the implications for the region and interested economic and cultural partners around the world could be significant. Southern factions within PDP Goodluck Jonathan is described in some sources as beleaguered, embattled, powerless and lacking confidence. Despite these descriptions, Jonathan’s party, the PDP, has enjoyed widespread popularity inside his co untry and in reputable polls. He wears a hat in all of his public appearances.

This is a traditional bit of symbolism employed by some African leaders to show high status and poise. It is a quietly stated crown. He will usually wear a black trilby. In his own words “You can tell the character of a man by the hat he wears, and how he wears it.”. He has also said, “I was very weak, but once I discovered the secrets of hats, I was able to transform myself into a bold and confident person.” President Jonathan is not a natural speaker, he is soft spoken and can often be seen reading from prepared notes. When speaking interactively and formally he can sometimes display a lack clarity and will sometimes spend a lot of time speaking in general terms rather than addressing the question or point. When confronted, Jonathan will fold his arms and his eyes dart around when being firm strongly suggesting that he would always prefer to avoid conflict. Jonathan adopts a feet-forward, leaning, slouch when being interviewed and usually has to adjust himself when he slips too far down into his seat. His face is very animated, easily displaying a range of emotions from anger and annoyance, to pleasure and confidence. He tends to gesticulate with only one had and usually within the frame of his own body.

Along with his laced fingers, these are indicative of marked introversion and ongoing internal dialogues. He shows a lot of evidence of being very intelligent and on the topics that he is comfortable with he can easily speak about with great confidence and knowledge. While his conversations are reactive in nature (rather than active) they are usually very thoughtful. His impromptu speeches are usually punctuated with the “intellectual stammer” displayed by university professors and American president, Barak Obama. Goodluck Johnson is fond of using examples, imagery and allegory in his conversations. He communicates best with representations. Despite many speeches promising decisive actions, Jonathan tends to be very pensive in his political life. He is collaborative in his approach, depending on alliances and consensus rather than using personal charisma to get things done. Another contradiction is that Goodluck Jonathan will not “confront” the issues head on. In interviews he appears very pained to confront interviewers. For Jonathan, Boko Haram, Corruption and the economy are best tackled with logic, systematic and consensus driven structures which will “take time”. Jonathan is also wary of Africa’s history of strongmen. He stresses building systems as opposed to executive action.

In his words, “leadership in Africa had failed on two important counts: (1) To Institutionalise democracy so that government was run transparently and for the benefit of the people; and (2) To inculcate, by personal example, in public officials and the general public values and codes of behavior consistent with operating a modern democratic nation- state.” Statements like these shows that he has little taste for personal power and legacy building. Like many democratic African leaders, the prospects of civil war, military dictatorship and coup-de-tat looms in the background of President Jonathan’s mind. While religious and ethnic tensions are downplayed (especially with Boko Haram) Nigeria is notably a federalized country with literally hundreds of divisions between the oil rich south and Muslim north. Jonathan is from the south but he is not from a strongman or military background. Allegiances to him are based around the traditional allegiance to the PDP rather than his Ijaw ethnicity or Christian religion. President Goodluck Jonathan presents as an introverted intuitive thinker who tends to withhold judgement and delay on important decisions. This would make him and INTP using the Myers Briggs Type Indicator.

If correct, then Jonathan is quiet and analytical who prefers to spend long periods of time on his own or with his very close relations. He is scientifically minded and enjoyed helping the environment and people in his career. While his hat wearing is customary, the wearing of a western hat is a way of him ensuring that he stands out. Similarly while his hats are often western, he does not dress western, and tends to wear dark coloured but otherwise West African style clothing. This indicates that he is “bucking” at both trends of being “too African” or “too Western”. He will be consultative and rely on a wide variety of sources for opinions and support. He is charming and witty when among people that he gets along with. He will be very reluctant to get into a situation that he may fail at and will often seek regional and international support for any situation that he thinks is too much for him to handle. Jonathan is very intelligent. He can grasp and convey many very complex ideas and this is tempered by how thorough he is willing to explain these complex ideas, which can be too much for the purpose of the situation. His keen observations on other international actors allows him to always give appropriate responses to situations within his country, regionally and internationally.

Jonathan lacks a bombstic and iconoclastic personality. He also suffers from the same affliction that many leaders from the African continent suffer: There is a lack of confidence to act on the international stage. There is also likely to be a complex of inferiority when addressing the former colonial, military and economically superior powers. Jonathan comes from a strong Christian background. He will usually use religious overtones in his speeches and justifications for his actions. The only place that Jonathan is seen without his hat will be in a church. Goodluck does not use religion as a divisive tool however and seems to use it as merely an identifier. Pentecostal and protestant Christianity is a strong influence in southern Nigeria. Themes and Quotes: Oil and the Economy Nigeria is a member of OPEC and is the biggest exporter in Africa. Oil revenues accounted for around 75% of budgetary revenues and 95% of export revenues in 2013 (World Bank) and around 15% of GDP. One of Jonathan’s aims is to diversify the Nigerian economy away from oil revenue and to agriculture to feed his young and growing population.

Jonathan has made tentative efforts to control corruption surrounding the oil industry which is owned and operated by multinational, American and European companies. He helped to negotiate peace talks with the Niger Delta rebels who are part of his ethnicity. His approach to stolen oil is that this is being stolen for large foreign companies who knowingly refine and profit from the proceeds of crime. In this regard, he takes a long view to solving the problem. Nigeria has China as a significant trading partner. Nigerian polls indicate that the country has one of the most pro-Chinese populations in the world. In the past decade, China has secured oil deals and contributed to infrastructure and military developments. This relationship is an obvious threat to Western interests. “Oil companies investing 1 billion in project and less than 100,000 in local economy.” “focus on diversification of non oil aspects of our economy” “Agriculture is key because it employs (people)” “we are intervening massively in agriculture.” “Now we have mortgage and financing” “Ordinarily by now, Nigerians needn’t be talking about power, because most of you who have been to Nigeria, you see the volume of gas we burn every day from the oil industry activities.

If we even have to convert 50 percent of the gas we burn to power, I don’t think we’ll be talking about power.” “The international community must support Nigeria” “The stolen crude is refined abroad” “We have privatized….(electricity and other infrastructure)” Boko Haram Northern Nigeria is primarily populated by muslims. Jonathan sees the threat of Boko Haram as a terror threat and not a religious one. He sees it also as a regional and an international threat rather than a local one. He does not see the threat as one to the integrity of Nigeria or to the main part of the Nigerian population. Though he is quick to compartmentalise the problem, he continuously calls on international aid to counter the threat and seems unwilling to dedicate himself or the Nigerian Army to unilateral action. Accusations of brutality by the armed forces may also be a factor in staying his hand. Failures by “greater powers” to controlled insurgencies (references to Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, etc.) is also part of his rational for not taking a more violent approach to addressing the group.

“Boko Haram is a local terror group” “We should not play politics with Boko Haram” “Overall it does not effect the Nigerian Economy” “Some are not Nigerians but most are Nigerian” “Just criminal elements” “Issue of Terror is imported from North Africa” “reduce the collateral damage on the population” “We are trying, I don’t want to rate myself.” “We have the political will to get where we are going.” “They have violated the culture and peaceful way of life in our country which took generations to build”. “We are committed to working with other nations, other friendly governments to make sure we contain the problem in Mali.” “We call on the rest of the world to work with us.” Corruption 9 in 10 Nigerians suspect their government is corrupt. Faith in the electoral process is very low. Jonathan also takes a very systematic approach to corruption. He is very reluctant to go after corrupt individuals and confronting it head on. Instead he has made tactical moves in his own party and with legislation to cut off the sources of corruption. He is a big believer in making processes more transparent and recorded in order to prevent future corruption.

One source of corruption was the fuel subsidy, allowing actors within Nigeria to buy cheap fuel and then sell it at full price outside of the country. Jonathan got rid of the subsidy and this proved very unpopular. Similarly, Jonathan calls on consensus and support to combat other forms of corruption (such as oil theft) and graft. “Killing robbers don’t stop robbery. Throwing people into jail won’t stop corruption.” “Leave us who have dead to bury our dead.” “Main issues are corruption” “And for now our domestic focus must be on electoral reform, delivering peace dividends to the Niger Delta and the rest of the country, and standing strong on our resolve against corruption.” “The issues of corruption that also bother us is also human factor. In every society, it’s difficult to say you can eradicate corruption. But we’ve set up the machinery to make sure that we continue to reduce it. The war against it will be sustained and will continue.” “…ensure progressively improved electoral process…” “Strengthen Institutions to prevent corruption” “Modern science will prevent corruption” Nigeria Many of Jonathan’s conversations and speeches suggest that he is taking a long view on Nigeria.

He has “written off” the older generation and is creating a Nigeria in which the young population can find opportunity. Having grown up in civil war and military dictatorships, he does not have a great deal of faith in the people of his generation. He is hoping to put the countries violent and corrupt past behind him. Perhaps drawing from the old testament, he sees himself as a post-Moses leader of the Israelites biding time in the wilderness before leading the new generation to the promised land. He is very cautious not to squander Nigeria’s petroleum based wealth on crowd pleasing gestures or unilateral adventures. His goals for Nigeria a very strategic and far beyond the headlines. Many of his promises in regards to Nigeria are purposely worded so that he makes long term goals seem like short term goals but he will almost always caveat himself with “not done overnight”. “Nigeria must move forward” “The young people must redefine this country” “…..not done overnight” President Goodluck Jonathan acts as if he is a small player in the bigger movement of his PDP party, Nigerian petroleum wealth, Nigerian development and continuing Islamic terrorism.

By all accounts including his own, he is a meek and humble man, an intelligent civil servant who just happens to have executive powers over one of the largest African powers on the continent. That being said, there are many examples of Jonathan making political manoeuvres, strategic promotions and firings to achieve long term goals. Much in the same way as he was a strategic success story, he employs indirect and deliberate actions to achieve his goals. President Goodluck Jonathan (Biography) Logbaby Early life, education and personal life Jonathan was born in Otueke in Ogbia Local Government Area of the then Eastern Region, later Rivers State, now Bayelsa State. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, GCON, and President, Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, was born to a humble Niger Delta family of canoe makers on November 20, 1957. Growing up in the warmth of a close knit family, Dr. Jonathan had humble yet adventurous beginnings. In spite of the enchanting beauty of the Niger Delta and the pristine innocence of those times, the young Jonathan rather than take after the family trade, chose to go to school.

Image: L-R Condoleezza Rice, Former U.S President George W. Bush and Goodluck Jonathan as Acting President of Nigeria He attended St. Stephens and St. Michaels Primary Schools, Oloibiri, finishing in 1969. He proceeded to Mater Dei High School, Imiringi, where he passed his West African School Certificate with flying colours in 1975. On completion of his secondary education, he worked as a Preventive Officer with the Nigerian Customs Service for two years before proceeding to the University of Port Harcourt as one of the pioneer students of the new university nestling on the shores of the Choba River. He chose Zoology. As a child he had been fascinated with nature, and growing up by the shores of the intertwining rivers and waterways of the Niger Delta, aquatic life was second nature. He graduated with Second Class Upper honours in 1981. In 1985 and 1995 he studied for his Master’s and Ph.D degrees in Hydrobiology and Fisheries Biology, and Zoology respectively, from the same University.

But this was not until he had completed his mandatory one year of National Youth Service in Iresi, old Oyo State, now Osun State of Nigeria. Jonathan and his wife, Patience, have two children. He is a member of the Ijaw ethnic group. Presidency/ Career Returning to the warm embrace of family and friends in 1982, he was appointed as Science Inspector of Education, Rivers State Ministry of Education, while studying in between for his post-graduate and graduate degrees. Between 1983 and 1993 he took up employment as a lecturer in the Department of Biological Science, Rivers State College of Education. President Goodluck Jonathan, First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, VP Namadi Sambo and Gov Theodore Orji at the rally in Aba, Abia State Image: President Goodluck Jonathan and wife Dame Patience in Paris. Image: Nigerian President Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan Image: L-R Goodluck Jonathan and Barack Obama at a U.S Nuclear energy conference. In 1993, he was appointed Assistant Director (Ecology of the defunct Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC) in charge of Environmental Protection.

Working in a developmental environment, his desire to better of the lot of the people motivated him to answer the call to service. He resigned his job in 1998 and went into politics. His honesty, simplicity, charisma, quiet strength and determination made him an ideal running mate to Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha on the Bayelsa People’s Democratic Party, PDP, gubernatorial ticket. They won the elections, and he served as a Deputy Governor from 1999 to 11 December 2005. On 12 December that year, he became the substantive Governor of Bayelsa State. It wasn’t long after that fate once again beckoned. He was busy preparing for re election to his first full term as substantive governor, when the PDP, which is the largest political party in Africa, nominated him as running mate to the Presidential candidate, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’adua. After a keenly contested election, the Yar’adua/Jonathan ticket won, and on May 29, 2007, he was inaugurated as Nigeria’s Vice President.

Former President Umaru Yar'Adua died on 5 May 2010. Goodluck Jonathan was sworn in as Yar'Adua's successor on the following day, becoming Nigeria's 14th Head of State, to serve until the next election, in 2011, at which time he could elect to run again, which he has done. Upon taking office, he cited anti-corruption, power and electoral reform as focuses of his administration. He stated that he came to office under "very sad and unusual circumstances". On 18 May 2010, the National Assembly approved President Jonathan's nomination of former Kaduna State governor, Namadi Sambo, an architect, for the position of Vice President. On June 29, 2010, President Goodluck Jonathan launched a Facebook fan-page; The president said that he launched his page in fulfillment of a promise he made earlier in the year to interact more with Nigerians. On the 26th of August, 2010 President Goodluck Jonathan launched the most comprehensive plan which it tagged ‘Roadmap for Power Sector Reform’ aimed at restructuring the power sector and achieving stable electricity in the country.

The President in his speech, identified the factors that affected reliable electricity service delivery to include the absence of a sustained and deliberately deployed long term power development strategy, under exploitation of the nation’s abundant energy endowments and the absence of adequate implementation of reforms. On the 15th of September, 2010, President Jonathan, in a message on his Facebook Page, said he had finally decided to run for the presidency after wide consultations with various organizations across the country. This single action of his made him the first ever sitting President to declare his re-election bid via social media. On the 20th of December, 2010 President Goodluck Jonathan, flagged off the national book campaign tagged 'Bring Back The Book', and presented his book, My Friends and I: conversations on policy and governance via Facebook to the public. He declared that the fight to bring back the book should be supported by all Nigerians, as the project provided Nigeria a sure path to technological growth. He further said that his government was encouraging a culture of catch-them-young so as to secure the future of the children.

On 14 January 2011, President Jonathan was elected as the Presidential flag-bearer of the ruling People's Democratic Party for the 2011 Presidential election by 77.7% of valid votes cast. He faced other candidates in the April 16, 2011 general election, including Mallam Nuhu Ribadu[10] of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and Muhammadu Buhari of Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).[11] On April 18, 2011, Goodluck Jonathan was declared the winner of the 2011 Nigerian presidential election. His election victory was followed by violence in the Northern part of the country. Interesting Moments World Cup controversy After the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, in which the Nigerian team failed to advance beyond group stage, Jonathan decreed a ban on international games for the football team. objected to the president's decision and threatened to evict Nigeria from the association. Subsequently he lifted the ban.

Controversy over Ministerial Nominations and Appointments 2011 In 2011, the Nigerian President's failure to nominate and appoint at least 36 indigenes, one for each of the 36 states is in breach of article 147 subsection (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999: "...the President shall appoint at least one Minister from each State, who shall be an indigene of such State". The President can be taken to constitutional court in Nigeria for noncompliance with Article 147(3) of the constitution. Controversy over removal of fuel subsidy on 1st January 2012 On Tuesday 13 December 2011, the 2012 budget which was presented to the Nigerian National Assembly by President Jonathan removed any provisions for fuel subsidy. The issue of fuel subsidy removal in Nigeria has always been a controversial topic. According to a poll carried out by the Alliance for Credible Elections (ACE- Nigeria) showed that 80 per cent of Nigerians opposed the plan to remove fuel subsidy.

On Sunday 1st January 2012, the Jonathan administration ignored the concerns of the majority of the Nigerian people and the Nigerian National Assembly which has the power to pass the budget by announcing the start of a controversial plan to end fuel subsidies. Many prominent Nigerians have spoken out against the removal of fuel subsidy by the Jonathan administration. According to Professor Tam David-West, the former Petroleum Minister, the planned removal of fuel subsidy will squeeze the economy, increase inflation, hurt businesses and the public. A former military Head of State and a former Minister for Petroleum & Natural Resources, General Buhari urged President Jonathan not to remove fuel subsidy and tackle corruption. General Yakubu Gowon another former military Head of State has warned the government that the country's infrastructure should be revived before fuel subsidy removal steps are taken. Former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, has joined millions of Nigerians protesting against the removal of fuel subsidy by the Jonathan administration, saying that the action is ill-timed. The Nigeria Labour Congress has warned the country faces many strikes and mass protests over the removal of fuel subsidy. Protesters and groups have called for President Jonathan to resign over the removal of fuel subsidies.

Benefits Nigerians will no longer enjoy due to the removal of fuel subsidies are: § Security of supply - subsidies are used to ensure adequate domestic supply by supporting indigenous fuel production in order to reduce import dependency, or supporting overseas activities of national energy companies. § Environmental improvement - subsidies are used to reduce pollution, including different emissions, and to fulfil international obligations. § Economic benefits - subsidies in the form of reduced prices are used to stimulate particular economic sectors or segments of the population. § Employment and social benefits - subsidies are used to maintain employment, especially in periods of economic transition. Nigerian Insecurity and Bomb attacks in Nigeria a key challenge to the President The Nigerian President was severely criticized in the media over prevalent lack of security and current bomb attacks in the country. This is now a key challenge to President Goodluck Jonathan. On 26 August 2011, the UN building in Abuja was bombed. President Goodluck Jonathan announced that it was not merely an attack on Nigeria, but on the international community. He told reporters that, "we would work together with the UN and other world leaders to ensure that terrorism is brought under control.

President Jonathan is under immense pressure from Nigerians and the international community to end the attacks and to reinforce strong security measures in the country. President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan | Who's Who Profile | Africa Confidential President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Displaying 1-10 out of 179 results. 1 Then he fell out with the then President, Goodluck Jonathan, and switched allegiance to the APC... Vol 57 No 23 | Political schisms hit recovery and reform 18th November 2016 In the Buhari era, the Lagos-based banks and oil companies that prospered under President Goodluck Jonathan, often thanks to lax regulation and generous state patronage, are struggling with mounting debts and operating losses... Appointed by ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, he was held responsible for at least some of the financial chaos and bizarre contracts in the final year of that government...

No oil, no money, no deal 23rd September 2016 Buhari has won some credit in the Delta over the past few months for prolonging the Presidential Amnesty Programme under Paul Boroh, despite both plummeting state revenue due the oil price collapse and mounting evidence of the PAP's central role in corruption under the previous government of Goodluck Jonathan... Impatience 23rd September 2016 Patience Jonathan, wife of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has reacted with fury to Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) freezing more than US$14 million in accounts she controls... The non-governmental organisation Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has written to Attorney General and Justice Minister Abubakar Malami requesting that he institute criminal proceedings against Goodluck Jonathan, who has been abroad since before the allegations emerged, seeking medical treatment, a spokesperson said... Vol 57 No 16 | Juicier carrots, heavier sticks 5th August 2016 The government had been planning to cut in half the US$200 million a year amnesty programme for ex-militants, launched by the previous government under President Goodluck Jonathan...

Goodluck Jonathan | Africa - News and Analysis June 13, 2016 Nicholas Ibekwe Jide Omokore The Nigerian government on Monday kicked off legal processes that will enable it freeze local and foreign assets of Jide Omokore and Kola Aluko, allies of former petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, who are being investigated in connection with a series of multi-billion dollar petrol import and crude export deals. Mr. Omokore, who is also an ally of former President Goodluck Jonathan, is the chairman of Atlantic Energy Concept Nigerian Limited (AEDC) and Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited (AEBD). Both companies were listed as the first and second defendants in the suit. Atlantic Energy Limited was one of the companies that allegedly received multibillion dollar worth of public assets without due process by the Jonathan administration in 2011. The company, which was created less than a year earlier and had not produced a droplet of oil, was awarded controlling stakes in two lucrative oil blocks – OML 30 and 34 – for just over $50 million each.

The deal, which was signed by the immediate past minister of petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, gave Atlantic Energy Limited a controlling 55 percent stake in the oil block. Curiously, Shell, which owned the remaining 45 per cent stake, fetched $1.3 billion for a single field after an open and competitive bidding process. The Federal Government, alongside its co-plaintiff, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company Limited (NPDC) and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), filed a motion before a Federal High Court in Lagos, seeking an order of mareva injunction, directing 19 Nigerian banks, eight foreign banks and eight local and international firms to freeze the funds and assets they hold on behalf of the Mr. Omokore, Mr. Aluko, AEDC, and AEDB. The government is also seeking an order to freeze several local and international luxury properties owned by the defendants, including the Galatica Star, a $50 million “Super yatch” owned by Mr. Aluko and three private jets.

According to the motion ex-parte, Oladipo Okpeseyi, lead counsel to the Federal Government, prayed the court for an order restraining the defendants from “giving any sale or transfer instruction, demanding, accepting or receiving any payment or sale or dividend on the shares owned by the defendants,” in any of any of the eight local and international companies. The company include Mia Hotels Limited, First Motors Limited, V.I Petrochemical, Evergreen Realty and Management, Ox Trade Limited, De First Union Integrated Services, Amity Plus Limited, and Seven Energy International Limited. The government is also asking the court for an order to “confiscate within seven days of all sums of money and negotiable instruments of credit of the defendants domestic accounts held in 19 domestic banks. The government estimated the total sum held by the defendant to be $1.76 billion.

The plaintiffs also prayed the court for an order for a freeze on sale or mortgage on the following properties in Nigeria and abroad: Houses on 755 Sarbonne Road, Los Angeles, 952 North Alphine Drive, Los Angeles, 815 Cima Del Mondo, Los Angeles, 1049 Fifth Avenue, New York, 1948 and 1952 Tollis Avenue, Santa Barbara, 157 West 57thStreet, New York, and 4100 Le Reve Dubai. Other Houses include, Avenue Towers, Lagos, Colina D’Oro Montagnola, Switzerland, Block A consisting of 26 Flats at No 46, Gerrard Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, Mason apartments situated at No6 Gerrard Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, Marion Apartment located at 4 and 5 Onikoyi Estate, Banana Island, Ikoyi, 33A Cooper Road Ikoyi, Lagos, 8 Gerrard Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, Griove End Road, London, Land, 807 Cima Del Mundo, Mont Tremblant, Canada.

Other assets the government is also requesting to be seized are the Galatica Star yatch, a 20-year Berth Lease in Barcelona, Watch collection, a collection of 58 vehicles, a Global Express S5-GMG jet, a Bombadier Global 600 9H-OPE, Bombardier. When the case came up for hearing, the lead counsel for the defendants, Tokunbo Jaiye-Agoro, told the trial judge, Oluremi Oguntoyinbo, that they were served the motion in court. He, therefore, requested an adjournment for defence counsel to study the motion and come up with its response. The judge subsequently adjourned the case to the 29 June, 2016 for allow the counsels of the defendants to response to the motion. June 7, 2016 Bassey Udo Former President Goodluck Jonathan speaking at the Bloomberg Studio in London Former President Goodluck Jonathan has spoken out about how the excess crude oil revenue account, which stood at over $20 billion at the inception of his administration, was depleted to about $2 billion when he left office on May 29, 2015.

Answering questions on an interview programme with Bloomberg TV, Mr. Jonathan blamed the state governors for regularly pressurizing the federal government to draw from the reserve fund to augment revenue allocations from the federation account. “At any time the earnings (from oil) drop, the governors would insist that there is no place in our laws that actually say that the federal government should keep the reserve,” Mr. Jonathan said. “They always insisted that a part of it (excess crude revenue account) should be brought.” He said there had always been misconception about the excess crude account, pointing out that while a number of people felt it was a reserve fund for the rainy day, others said it was fund that could be drawn from in times of economic difficulty. “Yes, it is also part of our own reserves. But, when I was there, I tried to make a special fund called a sovereign wealth fund, so that it would not be easy for one to take from there,” the former president said. Asked to react to claims by the current administration that it inherited empty treasury at inception of its tenure, Mr. Jonathan said that could not be true, arguing that there was no way the administration would have inherited empty treasury and still be able to give bailout to states the way it did.

On the diversification of the economy away from oil, the former president said his administration did “very well”, particularly in encouraging manufacturing and industrialization as well as agricultural development, which he said got to its peak within the five years he was in power. He spoke of the agriculture transformation agenda of his administration, which he described as not only the best since the history of the country, but also one that received global acclaim. According to him, it was the administration’s achievements in the agricultural sector that recommended the then minister of agriculture, Akinwumi Adesina, to be elected president of the African Development Bank. He however expressed regrets that his administration did not succeed much in the solid mineral sector, despite its efforts to attract investors. “The blue print and everything was worked out. So, if somebody says I did not diversify the economy, I will say that is not true,” he said. “Of course, I was president of Nigeria. Sometimes, when people ask me question, it would seem I was the president of Nigeria from Independence till 2015. I was president for five years.” On the perception among Nigerians that corruption was rampant during his administration. Mr.

Jonathan said there was nothing new about such perception, pointing out that that had always been the case since the country’s independence. “Perception is based on what people say,” the former president said. “In Nigeria, somehow it has been a routine. From the collapse of the First Republic, what the military said was the reason for taking over was corruption. “When the Second Republic collapsed, the same was the story. If there is a major change in government where one political party is taking over power from another one, there must be issues that would be raised. “Yes. I cannot say the country, from beginning of independence, there was no corruption. Yes, there was corruption. I did well to cut down on corruption. My approach was not to make money available to anybody to touch,” he said. The former president said although his administration succeeded in eliminating corruption in fertilizer subsidies, his attempt to extend same to the oil industry was frustrated. “The very people that have been accusing us of corruption are the very people that frustrated it. It’s unfortunate,” he lamented. On whether he would come under investigation by the present administration for corruption, Mr.

Jonathan said he was already under probe but that he was reserving his comments on the matter, arguing that it was improper to make comments while investigation was still on. “Of course, obviously I will be investigated. I am being investigated. Yes, investigations are going on. But, I wouldn’t want to make certain comments, because when a government is working, it is not proper for immediate past president to make certain statements. “I will allow the government to do the work it is supposed to do. So, I would not want to make serious comments on that. Definitely it’s not proper. After all these investigations and so on, the whole story will be properly chronicled. It is not a good practice. I have just left office. I should allow the person that is on the seat to do what he feels is good for the country,” he said. December 15, 2015 Idris Akinbajo Former President Goodluck Jonathan A British Judge on Tuesday refused to release $85 million (N17 billion) to Malabu, a fraudulent company controlled by Nigeria’s former petroleum minister, Dan Etete.

In refusing to release the money to Malabu, Justice Edis of the Southwark Crown Court declared that he was not sure the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan acted in Nigeria’s interest when it approved the transfer of the money to Malabu. “I cannot simply assume that the FGN which was in power in 2011 and subsequently until 2015 rigorously defended the public interest of the people of Nigeria in all respects,” the judge ruled. PREMIUM TIMES had reported how the Jonathan administration controversially approved the transfer of $1.092 billion from Nigeria’s JP Morgan account in London to Nigerian accounts controlled by Malabu. The money was paid by global oil giants, Shell and ENi, for Africa’s richest oil bloc, OPL 245. The former Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke, and the former Minister of State for Finance, Yerima Ngama, signed the documents approving the transfer to Malabu. The fraudulent deal, shaded in various layers of corruption, has been condemned by Nigerians and international transparency advocates and is being investigated by authorities in four different countries.

THE SEIZED $85 MILLION The $85 million was seized at the request of Italian prosecutors who are also investigating the deal. The money was the last part of the OPL 245 largesse not yet distributed. Sensing that the Muhammadu Buhari administration was yet to find its feet on international legal matters, Mr. Etete approached the British court and asked that the money be returned to him. At a two-day hearing that started on November 23, Mr. Etete’s lawyers argued that there was no fraud in the deal and asked that the money be released to him. While Mr. Etete argued that the money be released to him, the Italian prosecutor argued that “their investigation could lead to a potential forfeiture of the money down the road.” a source who has followed the case and was present at the proceedings told PREMIUM TIMES. Malabu’s lawyers told the court that freezing the money was an assault on Nigeria and questioned how the court could imagine that Messrs. Adoke and Ngama would be a party to a corrupt deal.

THE RULING While giving his ruling on Tuesday, Justice Edis said while he could not say for certain if the deal was fraudulent pending conclusions of investigations, it would be inappropriate to release the money to Malabu. “I am not making any findings of fact about misconduct by anyone. I am simply assessing the evidence before me to determine whether a restraint order should be discharged which was granted by way of MLA (Mutual Legal Assistance between the UK and Italy) to support an investigation by the Italian authorities,” the judge said. The judge also made reference to evidence provided by the Italian authorities that ex-President Jonathan was directly involved in the fraudulent deal. “The suggestion from the wiretaps is that “Fortunato” was implicated and I am told that this was a reference in code (not subtle) to the former President of Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan,” the judge said.

“Aliyu (Abubakar) is said to be associated with him and Aliyu received, in a way which was not transparent, $523m of the money paid for the OPL 245 licence in August 2011.” PREMIUM TIMES had reported how fictitious companies owned by Abubakar Aliyu, a man referred to as ‘Mr. Corruption’ by anti-graft officials, received over half ($532 million) of the total $1.092 billion. Mr. Aliyu, a close ally of Mr. Jonathan was recently quizzed by EFCC operatives for the first time despite being a central character in the deal whose investigation was virtually stalled during the Jonathan presidency. ACTIVISTS REACT Reacting to the ruling, Simon Taylor of Global Witness stated that “Given the gathering pace of the EFCC investigation in Nigeria under new leadership and a call by the Nigerian House of Representatives to cancel the deal in 2014, investors in Shell and Eni should demand to know why they were exposed to such risk.” The UK based Global Witness has been at the forefront of the demand for transparency in the deal and other similar deals across the world.

Also reacting to the judgement, Dotun Oloko, an anti-corruption campaigner in Nigeria said, “In light of these allegations in a UK court, the role of the senior Nigerian officials involved in this deal, including Goodluck Jonathan, must now be fully investigated.” With the ruling, Nigerian now has the opportunity to not only claim the money but also another $110.5 million of the funds held in a Swiss bank while investigations continue. October 12, 2015 Dear President Goodluck Jonathan, “I write to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of September 22, 2015. I take this opportunity to congratulate you on your successful handover to the current President of Nigeria, H.E. President Muhammadu Buhari. I am happy to note that you had a good rest and time with your family during the break. I hope you also had time to reflect and see what lessons you have learned and what you can bequeath to others. All of us who have had experience in our service to the nation and to humanity must not put it under the bushel. I have to commend you and your Foundation, Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, for the faith you continue to have in Nigeria.

Maybe seeking how to be better and more serviceable to the nation and humanity is also a form of penitence and soul-searching to give conscience a relief and to show remorse. I wish you well as you continue to forge ahead with your activities in the coming months and years. If there is any area you feel I can be of help, you should not hesitate to call on me. Yours Sincerely, Read Mr. Jonathan’s letter to Mr. Obasanjo below. —————————————————– September 22, 2015 Dear Baba, On Friday, 29th May, 2015, I completed my term of office as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and successfully handed over government to President Muhammadu Buhari. I immediately proceeded on a long deserved break. I have enjoyed a delightful time with my family and close friends. Now, well rested, I am back to work; to continue to serve and dedicate my life to promoting peace and prosperity for all. I have set up an office in my home state of Bayelsa, where I can be reached and members of my staff are poised to serve you and respond to your enquiries at all times.

Furthermore, I will be devoting the rest of my life and energy to making the world a better place. I am currently finalizing efforts to set up The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation. More details on the work of the foundation will be available at the launch, which I believe should take place by the 3rd quarter of 2016. As I start this new phase of my life of renewed service to humanity, I look forward to your continuous support, counsel and cooperation. Please, do accept the assurance of my esteemed regards. Yours Sincerely, Goodluck Jonathan | president of Nigeria | Britannica.com president of Nigeria Goodluck Jonathan, (born November 20, 1957, Otuoke, Nigeria), Nigerian zoologist and politician who served as vice president (2007–10) and president (2010–15) of Nigeria . Goodluck Jonathan, 2010. Pius Utomi Ekpei—AFP/Getty Images Jonathan, of the Ijo (Ijaw) ethnic group and a Christian, was born and raised in the region of the Niger delta in what is now Bayelsa state.

He attended Christian primary and secondary schools in the area and later attended the University of Port Harcourt, earning a B.S. in zoology (1981), an M.S. in hydrobiology and fisheries biology (1985), and a Ph.D. in zoology (1995). During his university education, he also taught at Rivers State College of Education from 1983 until 1993. He then served as an assistant director at the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission, a now defunct government agency, from 1993 until 1998. Jonathan’s political career began when he became involved with the nascent People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the late 1990s. He was elected deputy governor of Bayelsa state in 1999 under the party’s banner. He served in that position until 2005, when he was elevated to the governorship after the incumbent was charged with corruption and impeached. In 2007 he was selected to be the vice presidential running mate of the PDP’s presidential candidate, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua .

He and Yar’Adua were elected in April and inaugurated in May. As vice president, Jonathan engaged in efforts to negotiate with militants in the Niger delta, who were fighting against petroleum companies operating in the delta region, but otherwise he largely remained in the political background. His profile rose considerably in early 2010 when Yar’Adua’s extended absence from the country for medical treatment made many Nigerians anxious and generated calls for Yar’Adua to formally transfer power to Jonathan. As concerns mounted and there was no word from Yar’Adua on the request to transfer power to his vice president, members of Nigeria’s National Assembly took matters into their own hands and on February 9, 2010, voted to have Jonathan assume full power and serve as acting president until Yar’Adua was able to resume his duties. Jonathan agreed and assumed power later that day, but it was unclear whether the assumption of power was constitutional. When Yar’Adua returned to Nigeria on February 24, 2010, it was announced that Jonathan would remain as acting president while Yar’Adua continued to recuperate.

The next month, Jonathan asserted his power by replacing Yar’Adua’s cabinet. Yar’Adua, who never fully recovered, died on May 5, 2010, and Jonathan was sworn in as president the following day. Jonathan vowed to continue his involvement in the Niger delta peace negotiations and declared his intentions to reform the country’s oft-criticized electoral process as well as tackle corruption and deal with the country’s energy problems. Britannica Stories Scientists Ponder Menopause in Killer Whales There was much speculation as to how Jonathan’s unexpected term as president would affect the PDP’s unofficial policy of rotating the presidency between candidates from the predominantly Christian south and the predominantly Muslim north. Jonathan’s declaration in September 2010 of his intent to stand in the 2011 presidential election immediately generated controversy, as many argued that the northerners were still owed another term in office. In the PDP’s January 2011 primaries, Jonathan was elected to be the party’s candidate for the presidency. His overwhelming victory showed that his candidacy had considerable support—in the north as well as the south—even though it was a departure from the unofficial north-south rotation policy.

Jonathan was also victorious in the country’s presidential election, held on April 16, 2011. He won about 59 percent of the vote, securing an outright victory and avoiding the need for a runoff election. Reforming Nigeria’s electoral process had been one of Jonathan’s goals, and international observers praised this election as being largely transparent, free, and fair. Structures of Government: Fact or Fiction? Jonathan’s first full term as president was dominated by an insurgency primarily in the northeast, led by the Islamic militant group Boko Haram . Boko Haram’s acts of terror escalated during Jonathan’s administration, and, despite the government taking such action as declaring states of emergency in the areas most affected and attempting mediation, the group’s violence continued unabated until a regional force was formed and pursued the group in earnest beginning in February 2015. Jonathan’s progress in tackling economic issues was mixed: although the country experienced overall economic growth under his administration, many Nigerians still lived in poverty, with a far greater percentage of the poor living in the north. He also had to deal with disagreements within the PDP, which led to several PDP members defecting to opposition groups.

In spite of this, Jonathan was once again elected to be the PDP candidate for the next presidential election, scheduled for 2015. Jonathan faced more than a dozen candidates, but his strongest challenger was former military head of state Muhammadu Buhari , who was the flag bearer for the All Progressives Congress (APC). Whereas Jonathan had been criticized for not acting decisively enough to combat Boko Haram, Buhari had a strong military background and was seen as capable of successfully dealing with the militants, making him an attractive candidate to many. The election, held on March 28, 2015, proved to be the most closely fought race ever held in Nigeria. As most of the results were tabulated, it became clear that Jonathan would finish behind Buhari, and Jonathan conceded. It marked the first time in Nigeria’s history that an incumbent had been defeated.

Question: Goodluck Jonathan is the current President (2011) of which African country?
Answer: NIGERIA