Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the reason he stopped being “an effective partisan politician,” after his term as president in 2015 was to enable him focus on his foundation.
Jonathan, who disclosed this during the inauguration of the Bayelsa State Executive Council of the Peoples Democratic Party on Sunday, said this to clarify the reason for his absence from political activities which he said was largely 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 maintained that the growth and survival of the PDP will be dependent on the capacity of the executive council to effectively manage it’s 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.
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