Former President Goodluck Jonathan has
disputed THISDAY’s monday report that he had opted to go on exile in
Cote d’Ivoire, confirming, however, that he was indeed in the West
African country, but was not in exile.
Speaking exclusively to THISDAY on the
phone monday, the former president confirmed that he had been out of the
country for over a month, revealing that he travelled to some cities in
the United States of America, then departed the country for London
before arriving Cote d’Ivoire via Paris.
When reminded that THISDAY had tried to
reach him several times last week to verify allegations that he was in
exile, he said: “So what… I am not in exile. I am here resting.”
He said: “Yes I am in Cote d’Ivoire, I
have been here for a week resting and this is my second trip to the
country since I stepped down as president.”
He maintained however that he was not in
exile because he had no reason to leave Nigeria as he had done his best
for his country as president.
“I have made sacrifices for Nigeria. I
am praised all over Africa for averting bloodshed and for the peaceful
transition from one government to another, but it seems Nigeria does not
appreciate my efforts.
“I have done my best for this country
and if I have to die for it, I will do so. However, I am taking it easy
here (Cote d’Ivoire) and when I am ready, I will come back,” he said.
THISDAY had reported that Jonathan had
gone into exile following the resolve by the federal government to
arrest him on allegations of corruption.
The perception that the government was
going to reel him in was linked to the heightened attacks on oil and gas
installations in the Niger Delta.
Iyobosa Uwagiaren in Abuja
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