‘I was persuaded to come to the centre and here I am’
Former President Goodluck Jonathan disclosed that his innate desire for peace and commitment to uplifting the poor made him reluctant to join national politics in 2007 as the running mate to late President Umar Yar’Adua. Speaking at a cocktail reception in Abuja honoring his 2025 Sunhak Peace Prize win, Jonathan explained he was focused on governing Bayelsa State and improving lives there. He emphasized his humble background shaped his aversion to conflict and passion for helping the less privileged.
Jonathan recounted how he was persuaded to leave his role as Bayelsa Governor to become Vice President in 2007, despite initial reservations. “I was mapping out strategies to impact Bayelsa when I was called to the center,” he stated. His peace-driven leadership, rooted in his upbringing, earned him the 2025 Sunhak Prize. “I never liked crisis; I always felt sad seeing people suffer,” he remarked, underscoring his governance philosophy.
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