Why I’m Staying Away From Partisan Politics – Goodluck Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said he reduced his political activities since he quit power in 2015 to enable him to concentrate on his foundation .
The former leader gave the explanation on Sunday in Yenagoa , Bayelsa State , when Governor Douye Diri inaugurated the state executive council of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Jonathan , who said he was actually moving away from being “an effective partisan politician , ” however , noted that his absence from political activities was being misunderstood.
He said , “ Don’t be discouraged if you do not see me in most party activities in the state . I decided to appear in this event so that I will not be misunderstood.

“ I ’ m shifting away from being an effective partisan politician because of my foundation . People who want to partner me felt that if you are a partisan leader in the country, they will eat with you with a long spoon .

“ I felt that after serving as President of this country, I should go to some other areas where my services would be required . Through that process, I would be able to support the nation and the state in one way or the other. ”

He called on the new state executive council to run an all -inclusive administration , to promote peace , unity and stability in achieving more successes for the party .

Jonathan averred that the survival of the party was largely dependent on its capacity to effectively manage its affairs .

“ You have an enormous responsibility before you. You must work with the governor and not at cross purposes.
“ No matter how strong a party is, if the people don ’t appreciate you, you would be struggling to have them on your side . I know you will work harmoniously with members and carry everyone along , ” he said .
The former President also applauded the exemplary leadership exhibited by Diri within the short period in office.

Diri , on his part, charged the new party leadership to reach out to all those who had left with the view to bringing them back into the fold towards sustaining the party ’ s dominance in the state .
He said , “ As a result of our divine emergence , we should not be vindictive. Let us forgive one another and bring everyone on board because we want to sustain our party ’ s dominance in the state .
“ It seems like a tall order but you have the capacity to do so . We are all brothers and sisters of Ijawland . So let us not split ourselves. When we are united , we will be stronger and bring development closer to our people . ”

Also speaking , the PDP National Chairman , Prince Uche Secondus, represented by the National Vice – Chairman of the South- South zone , Elder Emmanuel Ogidi, congratulated the new state exco and implored them to work as a team.

Also speaking , immediate past governor of Bayelsa State , Seriake Dickson , expressed satisfaction with his successor for recording successes in piloting the affairs of the party so far .

Represented by the Sagbama PDP Caucus Chairman and elder statesman , Chief Francis Doukpola, Dickson thanked the immediate past chairman for his loyalty to the party and the winning streak during his leadership while congratulating the newly inaugurated executive .

In his acceptance speech , the new chairman , Mr Solomon Agwanana , thanked Jonathan and Diri for their leadership role in strengthening the party .
He promised that his watchword would be repositioning the party and consolidating the gains achieved by past leaders .