Former President Jonathan told the crowd that he was short of
words to express his feelings. He also added that thought he would be booed and
cursed at by the people for some decisions he made, and the lack of development
in Bayelsa State.The former
president publically announced that he wished to settle in his hometown Otuoke
in Bayelsa State a few days ago.
Mr. Jonathan was met by a jubilant crowd of
supporters, from across the six States of the Niger Delta region. The former
president was accompanied by his wife, Patience Jonathan, despite previous
reports that the Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan were quarrelling because she expressed
little interest in returning to Bayelsa State.
Mr. Jonathan was also accompanied by Ondo State
Governor Olusegun Mimiko, the Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, along
with other dignitaries. Former President Jonathan told the crowd that he was
short of words to express his feelings. He also added that thought he would be
booed and cursed at by the people for some decisions he made, and the lack of
development in Bayelsa State.
He told that crowd that, “because you are exposed to
the high office, and the thought that you may not have satisfied the people,
sometimes you think they will curse you or boo you. But instead, the people
have decided to celebrate me." The former president acknowledged the role
played by some political leaders in the State for his emergence as a
politician. He said he had wondered that if he had stayed in Bayelsa, he would
have done better as a Governor, "but I left to allow others grow
politically."
Mr. Jonathan announced his plans after leaving office,
and said that, "Nigerians have given me so much and the only thing I can
do with the rest of my life is to dedicate myself to peace building. We need
peace and development. Political crises don't bring development. I believe the
new administration will work with everybody. I am happy the new President said
he does not belong to any clique."
The
Bayelsa State Governor Dickson said that, "we are grateful to the Party
and the political class for giving Jonathan opportunity to serve, and such
service he did well. He is our celebrated leader and hero of democracy." He
added that, “those people who Bayelsa and Ijaw Nation is down. Don't laugh yet.
We may be down and not out.” After a brief reception in Yenagoa, Mr. Jonathan
will retire back to his hometown in Otuoke.
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