What’s the meaning of a celebratory international award when the recipient is not considered award-worthy at home?
Former President Goodluck Jonathan was decorated as 2015 International Person of the Year byAfrican Sun Times. After receiving the award, Jonathan said: “In 2015, despite challenges, we held violence-free elections that transferred power from one political party to another and from an incumbent to the opposition, without rancour, bitterness or strife.” Correction: But there was so much rancour, bitterness and strife; it was a huge relief to many that the country didn’t explode.
Jonathan continued: “In the process, we proved that nobody’s political ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian or any national of any country for that matter. That, to me, is a most worthy testimonial of the character of the Nigeria nation and the resilience of our people, which is why I dedicate the honour to them.” The majority of Nigerians would most probably dissociate themselves from Jonathan’s so-called honour simply because it is dishonourable.
Then Jonathan was adorned with the President’s Award by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), an African-American civil rights organisation based in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Interestingly, Jonathan was recognised for his leadership in human rights, social justice and the universal fight for freedom.
Jonathan’s response: “I thank Dr. Charles Steele Jr, President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, and the executive of the SCLC for honouring me…It was also a pleasure to meet Naomi King, the sister of the late American Civil Rights leader and founder of the SCLC, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, who was kind enough to attend the event and identify with the goals and aspirations of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation. By this award, I am further inspired to continue to work for the advancement of democracy, peace and progress in Nigeria and Africa.”
Without question, Jonathan’s track record as president contradicts the suggestion that he worked for the advancement of democracy, peace and progress. So he cannot talk about continuation.
Those who considered Jonathan worthy of awards and gave him awards are unworthy of respect.
END
cant imagine a man dt leave a country in mess is been recognize and awarded…… imagine. i want to believe na buy him buy the award…
It is quite unfortunate awarding the unworthy. Well I think Nigerian’s are wiser. Chio!
Are u sure its not a case of mistaken identity? I mean which Jonathan are they talking about? Abeg second base jare
Straight to the point. I wish I had written this.