Former President Goodluck Jonathan says his ascent to the highest office in the country was nothing short of a “political miracle”.
Jonathan spoke on Friday at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos, during the public presentation of books written by Reuben Abati, an accomplished journalist and his former spokesman.
He said his rise from deputy governor of Bayelsa to president of Nigeria within four years could only be attributed to divine intervention.
His words: “My political journey looked like a political miracle. From deputy governor to becoming president of this country within four years — it was a miracle. It’s only God that made it possible.”
He commended Abati for documenting his experience in public service and praised his intellectual contributions to national discourse.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who chaired the event, applauded Abati for what he described as his evolution from journalist to political actor and now author.
Obasanjo said the pursuit of truth remains central to progress and nation-building.
“The truth that I stood for at that time, you have now come to stand for. I am happy that in my lifetime.
“I can say I have a son in Reuben Abati who has matured, who has understood, who has progressed, and who is now on the path of success. And may God continue to help you to make success,” Obasanjo said.
Book reviewer Louis Odion described the works as chronicling Nigeria’s highs and lows while projecting a message of unity and national potential.
The books presented include Portraits: People, Politics and Society (642 pages); How Goodluck Jonathan Became President (285 pages); and A Love Letter and Other Stories (402 pages).
Abati said he intends to publish further works on the Jonathan presidency.
Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Hassan Kukah, delivered the keynote address.
The event was attended by several political, business, traditional, media and cultural figures, including former Ogun governor Segun Osoba; Abia state governor Alex Otti; Lagos deputy governor Obafemi Hamzat; EFCC chairman Ola Olukoyede; Alake of Egbaland Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; former governors Gbenga Daniel and Adams Oshiomhole; publisher Nduka Obaigbena; and Access Holdings chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede.