The senator representing Borno South, Ali Nudume has eulogised former President Goodluck Jonathan, recalling that Nigerians did not value him.
Speaking at the launch of a book ‘Everything heals’ written by Dr. Susana Adams during the weekend, Ndume apologized for criticizing the administration of Jonathan, admitting that the former leader left an enduring legacy in the polity.
“I want to appreciate Mr. President (Jonathan). As they say, you never know what you have until you lose it. Nigerians now know that”, he said.
While thanking God for the life of the former Bayelsa Governor, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain noted that Jonathan changed the political culture and landscape of this country.
“You don’t know how great you are in the eyes of those that were skeptical, those that didn’t know you and those that did not come close to you,” he added.
The lawmaker however recalled how people working with Jonathan accused him (senator) of sponsoring Boko Haram and how he was eventually vindicated by the court six years later.
“I am one of those that used to criticise you, but it was more constructive. Even, I remember in 2011, I had breakfast with Mr. President (Jonathan) and I was accused of sponsoring Boko Haram. I was arrested by the DSS where I was detained for 30 days, and I went to court for six years. When I was vindicated, I also had the opportunity to run into him too and he said to me, ‘Ndume, you have been patient and God has vindicated you, take this as a part of blessings from the Almighty’.”
The senator’s eulogizing remarks come days after Chairman of the Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary National Convention Planning Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mai Mala Buni and some governors on the party’s platform visited Jonathan.
