Jonathan’s ‘little’ outings since May 29
According to Jonathan, “Ordinarily, we wouldn’t have been mourning but mama was a rare mother. She was a woman of virtue described in the Bible and she was a mother to all of us; a mother whose milk of kindness we still need, her milk of encouragement we still need, her milk of advice we still need and today she’s no more with us.
“We, just like the immediate children, and indeed this country, have missed her. Within this period, myself and my wife have been hiding; we don’t even go out. We thought we’ll be hiding for at least twelve months. But in this particular case, we cannot hide.
“So, we have come for the condolence and to encourage our brothers and sisters that we are together. God brought her for all of us. She just had to be the direct mother of few but she’s a mother to all. We shall mourn more than even the direct children would,” the former president said.
However, findings by our reporter reveal that after he was voted out of power on May 29, following his defeat by President Muhammadu Buhari, Jonathan had been spotted in some places within and outside the shores of Nigeria.
On 7th June 2015, Jonathan was reportedly seen at the Heathrow Airport in the United Kingdom.
Various media organizations reported that the former president was in the UK for a short vacation.
While at the airport, one Chinedu Ozordi, who was with his wife and their twin babies rushed towards Jonathan and On Wednesday, former President Goodluck Jonathan said he wanted to remain in hiding for at least one year but found it pertinent to appear in public following the death of Madam Hannah Idowu Dideolu, (HID) Awolowo. took a photo with him.
He later posted it on twitter with the caption, “Goodluck goes to London without the bowler hat.”
And in July, it was reported that Jonathan was on a short vacation in the US and the UK.
On Thursday August 6, 2015, Jonathan was also at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, a day after former President Olusegun Obasanjo visited President Buhari.
Though Obasanjo’s visit was made public that of Jonathan was at night and very secretive.
The meeting, which reportedly held at Buhari’s official residence, was said to be so private that no other person was allowed to participate.
It was later reported that Jonathan probably visited the Presidential Villa at night in order to avoid the meeting becoming public knowledge.
And till date, what transpired between the former president and Buhari has not been revealed.
Though Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, had confirmed the meeting, he, however said that he had no idea what was discussed.
Sources said the visit was so discreet to the extent that even photographs were not taken.
It was also learnt that the meeting only lasted for some minutes.
Barely five days after his visit to the Presidential Villa, Jonathan reportedly jetted out to Kenya.
Various media outlets reported that the former president and his family arrived Kenya’s Maasai Mara Games Reserve in two chartered planes.
One of the planes carried Kenya’s security operatives and the second conveyed Jonathan, his wife Patience and two of their children.
It was reported that the former president arrived at the reserve for a three-day tour to witness the wildebeest migration and was received by Samuel Tunai, the governor of Narok, and the chairman of the council of governors tourism committee.
According to Kenya media, Jonathan declined to speak to the press on his arrival at the reserve.
It was gathered that Jonathan is the second dignitary to visit the reserve in less than a fortnight after the King of Swasiland, Mswati III.
Both the former Nigerian leader and the king were booked at the new Angama Mara Lodge at the Oloololo conservancy.
“We have received Mr. Jonathan, King Mswati III, a Chinese prominent family and we are expecting other royalties,” Nicky Fitzgerald, owner of the hotel where Jonathan and his family stayed, said.
Back in Nigeria, the major event which Jonathan attended and spoke at length was early this month in his home state of Bayelsa, during the formal declaration of Governor Seriake Dickson who was seeking for a second term in office.
The rally was held at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.
At the event, which took place on Sept 8, Jonathan said, “I have stayed in government for 16 years. I stayed with Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha for six years and stayed in the presidency for another six years. And in all those years, I think I know much about what some state governors have done.
Jonathan said though his decision to endorse the second bid of Dickson had attracted some reactions through bulk SMS in circulation, his action was based on conviction that the incumbent had performed.
During the event, it was reported that activities in Yenagoa, the state capital, were grounded as thousands of supporters of the PDP thronged the stadium to witness the event.