How my close friends abandoned me after I left power – Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan says it has been difficult for him because many people who worked with him and were close to him while in power now act as if he does not exist.

“I have been in government for a reasonable time, and I’ve served at quite a number of levels starting from deputy governor.

“Most of my experience is that after leaving office, some people just forget that you even exist,” said the former president.

Mr Jonathan made this known in Bauchi while inaugurating the 6.25Km Sabon Kaura-Jos bypass road constructed by the Bauchi state government.

He added, “There are people who act like they can’t eat without you when you’re in a position of power. But once you’re no longer in that position, they move on and act like you no longer exist.

“It is a very big day for me, and you know why? Because it’s not easy for somebody to work with you in Nigeria, then after leaving office, that person still continues with that kind of strong fraternal relationship with you.”

“However,” Mr Jonathan disclosed, “Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi is a good brother, and I’m quite pleased that he invited me to commission the first major project that he has completed; that’s a big honour.”

He thanked the Bauchi people for voting Mr Mohammed, saying the governor has changed the state.