Former President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday (on Sunday) explained why his administration did not implement the 2014 National Conference report.
He made the revelation during a condolence visit to Lagos with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to the family of late Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo.
They were at Adebanjo’s Lekki residence.
Jonathan said the political atmosphere in Nigeria then was very volatile, adding that it was impractical to present the conference report.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, politics was a major issue then.
But he said 2014 National Conference would not have held without the input of people like late Adebanjo.
Adebanjo, who died on February 14, 2025 at 96, was a respected leader. His legacy is remembered not only by his community but across Nigeria.
Jonathan said many asked him about the non-implementation of the report. He said most Nigerians didn’t know the extent of the political turbulence then. He mentioned a prominent politician in his own party opposed him and even decamped to another party.
He noted that many were ready to undermine his government then.
In his words, “It wasn’t the time we could present such a document.”
He hopes a future government will review the report and consider its merits.
Jonathan said the report was written by credible Nigerians with no bias. He said the recommendations are still relevant today. He reiterated the importance of truth and justice as pillars of national growth.
At the visit, Jonathan and Atiku were received by Adebanjo’s children led by Obafemi Ayo-Adebanjo.
Also present were members of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere under the leadership of Oba Oladipo Olaitan.
Jonathan arrived at Adebanjo’s residence at 1.57pm with Sierra Leone’s ex-President Ernest Bai Koroma and other big men.Atiku Abubakar arrived around 3 pm with PDP bigwigs including Chief Dele Momodu and Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran, the 2023 PDP Lagos State governorship candidate.
At the family and Afenifere meeting, Jonathan said Adebanjo was a leader of Nigeria not just Afenifere. He praised the late leader for his wisdom, courage and unwavering commitment to justice and truth.
Atiku also paid tribute to Adebanjo, saying it was a big loss. He recalled previous visits to the late leader’s home where he contacted many of the virtues that defined Adebanjo’s legacy. He extended his condolences and solidarity to the family.
Later in the evening, Jonathan, Atiku and many PDP bigwigs and other dignitaries attended a dinner organized by former President Olusegun Obasanjo at The Delborough Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki was also present.