Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has blamed Nigerian politicians for thriving in blackmails and betrayal just as he calls Chief Mike Ogiadomhe a dependable friend.
Jonathan made the remarks in Benin City during the 70th birthday celebration of his former Chief of Staff and ex-Deputy Governor of Edo State, Chief Mike Ogiadomhe.
The event witnessed an array of political class, including former governors Lucky Igbinedion, Professor Osarhiemen Osunbor, Adams Oshiomhole, and Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State.
Also present were former deputy governors Rev. Peter Obadan, Pius Odubu, Marvelous Omobayo, the Chief Judge of Edo State, Daniel Okungbowa, and the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, who attended with several members of the assembly. A number of traditional rulers were also in attendance.
Speaking of Ogiadomhe, Jonathan described him as a rare loyalist in a political system riddled with duplicity.
“I became president, then post-presidency, one of the few friends that can give up their necks for me is Mike,” Jonathan said. “You know politics, in the Nigerian standard, is about betrayals.
“You find it difficult to see somebody who will say the same thing in the morning and in the evening. I’ve witnessed a lot of betrayals, especially my 2015 elections, and Mike is somebody who would take a bullet on my behalf.”
Continuing, he said . “He is somebody that you can take his word to the bank. Most other politicians, you cannot take their words to the bank. They will tell you something, the next one hour they are saying another.”
Representing the Edo State Governor, Monday Okoebholo, Deputy Governor , Dennis Idahosa praised Ogiadomhe’s enduring impact on the state, noting that the structures he puts in place during his tenure as deputy governor remain relevant today.
Former Governor Lucky Igbinedion, under whom Ogiadomhe served as deputy, said he had complete trust in handing over the reins of government whenever he needed to travel abroad.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole also paid tribute to the celebrant’s loyalty and political consistency.
He recalled their many political discussions and noted, “He always told me that wherever Jonathan is, is where he would be.” Oshiomhole also extended commendation to Ogiadomhe’s wife, Lousia, describing her as a dependable partner throughout the celebrant’s political journey.