September 05, (THEWILL) — As pressure mounts on former President Goodluck Jonathan to join the 2027 presidential race, the ex-Bayelsa governor has decried the culture of betrayal and dishonesty in Nigeria’s political space.
Speaking in Benin City on Thursday during the 70th birthday celebration of his former Chief of Staff and ex-Deputy Governor of Edo State, Mike Ogiadomhe, Jonathan reflected on his political journey, linking his 2015 electoral defeat to betrayal from within his political circle.
“I became President, then post-Presidency, one of the few friends who would give up their necks for me is Mike. You know politics in the Nigerian standard is about betrayals,” Jonathan said.
“You find it difficult to see somebody who will say the same thing in the morning and in the evening. I’ve witnessed a lot of betrayals, especially in my 2015 elections. Mike is somebody who would take a bullet on my behalf.
“He is somebody you can take his word to the bank. Most other politicians, you cannot take their words to the bank, they will tell you something, the next hour they are saying another.”
In his goodwill remarks, former Governor Lucky Igbinedion praised Ogiadomhe’s loyalty and competence, recalling that he had no reservations leaving him in charge as deputy governor whenever he traveled abroad.
Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dennis Idahosa, who represented Governor Monday Okpebholo, described Ogiadomhe as a role model whose legacy continues to inspire him in public service.
Also speaking, former Governor Adams Oshiomhole said Ogiadomhe’s loyalty to Jonathan was unwavering, stressing that “wherever Jonathan is, that is where Mike will always be.”
The ceremony drew dignitaries across political, judicial, and traditional institutions, including former Governor Ibrahim Dakwambo of Gombe State, Professor Osarhiemen Osunbor, Edo Chief Judge Daniel Okungbowa, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly Blessing Agbebaku, as well as former Edo deputy governors Rev. Peter Obadan, Pius Odubu, and Marvelous Omobayo.
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