Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed concern over the prevalence of betrayal and dishonesty in Nigeria’s political landscape, reflecting on his own experiences while in office.
Speaking in Benin City on Thursday at the 70th birthday celebration of his former Chief of Staff and one-time Deputy Governor of Edo State, Chief Mike Ogiadomhe, Jonathan praised Ogiadomhe as a rare example of loyalty and integrity in Nigerian politics.
“One of the few friends who stood by me through thick and thin when I became president is Mike,” Jonathan said. “In Nigerian politics, betrayal is commonplace. It’s hard to find someone who says the same thing in the morning and still stands by it in the evening.”
Recalling his turbulent 2015 re-election campaign, Jonathan added, “I witnessed a lot of betrayals during that period. But Mike is someone who would take a bullet for me. He’s a man whose word you can take to the bank—unlike most politicians who change their stance within hours.”
The event, which drew an impressive array of political and traditional dignitaries, was a celebration of Ogiadomhe’s legacy in Edo State and beyond.
Representing Governor Monday Okpebholo, Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa lauded Ogiadomhe’s contributions, noting that the structures he laid down during his time as deputy governor remain a guiding framework for governance in the state.
Former Governor Lucky Igbinedion also spoke glowingly of Ogiadomhe, describing him as a trustworthy deputy. “Whenever I traveled abroad, I never hesitated to leave the reins of government in his hands,” Igbinedion said.
Senator and former Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, echoed similar sentiments. He highlighted Ogiadomhe’s unwavering loyalty to Jonathan, saying, “In all our political conversations, Mike always made it clear that wherever Jonathan stands, that’s where he stands.”
Oshiomhole also acknowledged the vital role played by Ogiadomhe’s wife, Louisa, calling her a pillar of support throughout her husband’s public service career.
The celebration was attended by a host of dignitaries, including former governors Lucky Igbinedion, Prof. Osarhiemen Osunbor, Adams Oshiomhole, and Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State. Also present were former deputy governors Rev. Peter Obadan, Pius Odubu, and Marvelous Omobayo; the Chief Judge of Edo State, Daniel Okungbowa; and the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, who led other lawmakers to the event.
Several traditional rulers and other notable personalities were also in attendance, adding grandeur to the milestone occasion.
