A United States Presidential Precinct recently hosted former President Goodluck Jonathan who recently launched Goodluck Jonathan Foundation.
The Precinct in a statement said “As part of its mission to promote democracy globally, the Precinct convenes leaders from many different backgrounds, religions, and political systems. Following the examples of Presidents Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe, we at the Precinct are interested in exploring knowledge and ideas no matter where they may be found or who may promote them.
“In the words of Thomas Jefferson “For here we are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead, nor to tolerate any error so long as reason is left free to combat it”.
“The Precinct’s most recent visitor was Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, president of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015. President Jonathan hopes to continue serving Nigeria and Africa by establishing institutions that can effect meaningful change. Jonathan was the first President in Nigeria’s history to peacefully concede the results of a democratic election and to relinquish his position in office to the opposition.
“ The peaceful transfer of power was an original goal of the American founding fathers. It was fitting that President Jonathan chose to begin planning a private Foundation and his post presidential role by coming to the Presidential Precinct in Virginia for advice.”
President Jonathan spent nearly a week, November 8-13, 2015, at the Presidential Precinct, meeting with academic, government and business leaders and sharing his experiences with local experts. Here he discussed with them ideas for bringing peace and economic development to Africa. He also used the opportunity to work with specialists to hone his Foundation’s message.
Opening his visit, President Jonathan was introduced to the Presidential Precinct Board of Directors at the University of Virginia’s Morven Farm.
The reception was chaired by Jim Murray, Presidential Precinct Chairman. President Jonathan then took advantage of the opportunity to visit all the Precinct partnering sites including James Monroe’s Ash Lawn-Highland, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, and James Madison’s Montpelier. While at Monticello, President Jonathan was joined by local and international business leaders for dinner at Monticello’s Montalto.
President Jonathan went on through a series of public and private meetings in which he expounded upon his refined vision for the newly created Goodluck Jonathan Foundation. The Precinct enabled him to exchange experiences with those sharing his interest in democracy and his new mission to promote good governance.