In the letter, dated October 12, 2015, Mr. Obasanjo also advised Mr. Jonathan to consider the Foundation as a platform through which he can heal his conscience and demonstrate penitence over his past actions.
Mr. Obasanjo wrote the letter in response to an earlier letter written to him by Mr. Jonathan on September 22, informing him of his plans to set up a foundation through which he would continue to service humanity.
“… I will be devoting the rest of my life and energy to making the world a better place. I am currently finalizing efforts to set up The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation,” Mr. Jonathan had written Mr. Obasanjo on September 22, 2015.
“More details on the work of the foundation will be available at the launch, which I believe should take place by the 3rd quarter of 2016. As I start this new phase of my life of renewed service to humanity, I look forward to your continuous support, counsel and cooperation.” (Read full letter below).
But in his response to the letter, Mr. Obasanjo wrote, “I have to commend you and your Foundation, Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, for the faith you continue to have in Nigeria. Maybe seeking how to be better and more serviceable to the nation and humanity is also a form of penitence and soul-searching to give conscience a relief and to show remorse.” (Read full letter below).
Both leaders fell out in December 2013 after PREMIUM TIMES exclusively exposed a letter Mr. Obasanjo wrote to Mr. Jonathan accusing him of lying, destroying Nigeria, and promoting corruption.
“Nigeria is bleeding and the hemorrhage must be stopped,” Mr. Obasanjo said in the 18-page letter dated December 2, 2013.
He accused Mr. Jonathan of failing to deliver on his promises to the Nigerian people, stem corruption, promote national unity and strengthen national security.
He said in the letter titled “Before it is too late” that rather than take steps to advance Nigeria’s interest and up the living standards of Nigerians, Mr. Jonathan betrayed God and the Nigerian people that brought him to power by pursuing selfish personal and political interests based on advice he received from “self-centred aides”.
In the detailed letter, dripping of anger and frustration, Mr. Obasanjo lamented that Mr. Jonathan had become terribly divisive and clannish, destroying his own party, polarizing the country along regional and religious lines and ridiculing Nigeria in the comity of nations.
Mr. Jonathan shot back two days later, categorizing Mr. Obasanjo among those he called “spineless cowards” driven by “sheer greed and indecency”.
Both leaders never reconciled with Mr. Obasanjo backing Muhammadu Buhari, Mr. Jonathan’s opponent in the 2015 presidential election. Mr. Buhari defeated Mr. Jonathan at that election.
Read Mr. Obasanjo’s letter to Mr. Jonathan below.
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October 12, 2015
Dear President Goodluck Jonathan,
“I write to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of September 22, 2015. I take this opportunity to congratulate you on your successful handover to the current President of Nigeria, H.E. President Muhammadu Buhari.
I am happy to note that you had a good rest and time with your family during the break. I hope you also had time to reflect and see what lessons you have learned and what you can bequeath to others. All of us who have had experience in our service to the nation and to humanity must not put it under the bushel.
I have to commend you and your Foundation, Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, for the faith you continue to have in Nigeria. Maybe seeking how to be better and more serviceable to the nation and humanity is also a form of penitence and soul-searching to give conscience a relief and to show remorse.
I wish you well as you continue to forge ahead with your activities in the coming months and years. If there is any area you feel I can be of help, you should not hesitate to call on me.
Yours Sincerely,
Olusegun Obasanjo
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Read Mr. Jonathan’s letter to Mr. Obasanjo below.
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September 22, 2015
Dear Baba,
On Friday, 29th May, 2015, I completed my term of office as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and successfully handed over government to President Muhammadu Buhari. I immediately proceeded on a long deserved break. I have enjoyed a delightful time with my family and close friends.
Now, well rested, I am back to work; to continue to serve and dedicate my life to promoting peace and prosperity for all. I have set up an office in my home state of Bayelsa, where I can be reached and members of my staff are poised to serve you and respond to your enquiries at all times.
Furthermore, I will be devoting the rest of my life and energy to making the world a better place. I am currently finalizing efforts to set up The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation. More details on the work of the foundation will be available at the launch, which I believe should take place by the 3rd quarter of 2016.
As I start this new phase of my life of renewed service to humanity, I look forward to your continuous support, counsel and cooperation.
Please, do accept the assurance of my esteemed regards.
Yours Sincerely,
Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
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