Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has revealed his post-office realizations about the pervasive involvement of military officials in partisan politics, sparing only retired Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Lucky Irabor from his critique.
In a media video from 2.20 press coverage while speaking at the launch of Irabor’s book Scars and the Boko Haram Conundrum, Jonathan noted that while he once believed military personnel avoided “unnecessary policy politics,” he discovered many engage in “dirty politics” after retirement. He praised Irabor as an exception, describing him as a “fine officer” who maintains clear distinctions between right and wrong, embodying integrity in a field often marred by opportunism.
Jonathan’s comments were embedded in a broader reflection on Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly the Boko Haram insurgency that plagued his administration from 2010 to 2015. He described the conflict as a “major scar” on his legacy, including the unresolved Chibok girls’ abduction, and urged military veterans to document their experiences for future generations.
Drawing parallels with resolved crises like the Niger Delta militancy and the Maitatsine uprising, he highlighted Boko Haram’s complexity, involving external influences and superior weaponry, which complicated resolution efforts.
The former president’s praise for Irabor underscores a call for ethical leadership in Nigeria’s security sector, where post-service political ambitions can undermine public trust. Jonathan recounted his own risky engagements during the Niger Delta crisis, emphasizing personal courage in negotiations, and expressed hope that current leaders would adopt innovative approaches like a mix of incentives and force.
His revelations also touched on past attempts at dialogue with Boko Haram, including the group’s nomination of Muhammadu Buhari as a mediator, which he believed could have facilitated peace but ultimately did not.
Jonathan’s insights serve as a cautionary tale for Nigeria’s political and military establishments, advocating for transparency and documentation to inform better strategies against enduring threats. By spotlighting Irabor’s apolitical stance, he highlights the value of principled service in fostering national stability and rebuilding confidence in institutions. See, More, Here>>>
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