Monday, August 11, 2025
  • Who’sWho Africa AWARDS
  • About Time Africa Magazine
  • Contact Us
Time Africa Magazine
  • Home
  • Magazine
  • WHO’SWHO AWARDS
  • News
  • World News
    • US
    • UAE
    • Europe
    • UK
    • Israel-Hamas
    • Russia-Ukraine
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Lifestyle
  • Sports
  • Column
  • Interviews
  • Special Report
No Result
View All Result
Time Africa Magazine
  • Home
  • Magazine
  • WHO’SWHO AWARDS
  • News
  • World News
    • US
    • UAE
    • Europe
    • UK
    • Israel-Hamas
    • Russia-Ukraine
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Lifestyle
  • Sports
  • Column
  • Interviews
  • Special Report
No Result
View All Result
Time Africa Magazine
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • WHO’SWHO AWARDS
  • News
  • Magazine
  • World News

Home » News » Goodluck Jonathan Unveils Shocking Truths Behind Nigeria’s Constitutional Crisis During Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s Prolonged Illness

Goodluck Jonathan Unveils Shocking Truths Behind Nigeria’s Constitutional Crisis During Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s Prolonged Illness

June 28, 2025
in News
0
551
SHARES
4.6k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

In a candid revelation that has sparked renewed debate over Nigeria’s political history, Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan exposed critical details surrounding a constitutional crisis that plagued the nation during the extended illness of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

In an interview with the Rainbow Book Club, Jonathan alleged that a senior presidential aide deliberately withheld a crucial handover letter from the National Assembly, leaving Nigeria leadership void during a tumultuous period in 2010.

Yar’Adua had prepared a formal letter prior to his medical treatment abroad, intended to empower Jonathan to serve as acting president. However, according to Jonathan, the aide entrusted with the document failed to deliver it to the lawmakers, resulting in a protracted constitutional impasse. This omission left Nigeria in a state of uncertainty, with neither an acting president nor an effective commander-in-chief for several months.


“Definitely the Northern Muslims wanted Yar’Adua to at least do eight years before power would return to the South, likely to another Christian,” Jonathan explained. “But his health issues came up and it was a problem. That’s why even allowing me to act as president became an issue.”

ReadAlso

Inside a Nigerian church where deaf people find faith — ‘God understands us’

Ex-Minister Audu Ogbeh Dies

Jonathan’s testimony reveals a painful political reality steeped in regional and religious dynamics. He continued, “One year that Yar’Adua was going for the medical checkup. Actually, a letter was written. Of course, the constitution says that for the vice president to act, the president would send a letter to the Senate and the House of Representatives informing them. That letter was written, but the person who the letter was handed over to — I will not mention the name to you now, it was one of the aides of Yar’Adua — refused to submit the letter to the National Assembly. And Yar’Adua became so ill that he had no control of issues.”

In the aftermath, Jonathan found himself in a precarious position where he could fulfil certain executive duties without the full constitutional authority to lead the military or act decisively. He clarified, “Yes, as a vice president, you can take over the responsibilities of some responsibilities of the president. You know the president of Nigeria has two main responsibilities. First, you are the chief executive of the country, so like a prime minister of a country. That, the vice president can assume; you don’t need any transfer. And I was doing that because we were having an executive council meeting, we were approving memos from ministers, so the government was going on.”

ADVERTISEMENT

However, the crucial role of commander-in-chief remained unfilled, creating a significant void in Nigeria’s governance. “But there was no commander-in-chief. What is the second responsibility of the president of Nigeria, besides being the executive head of the country? And there’s nothing like acting commander-in-chief. Either you’re a commander-in-chief or not.”

He further articulated how this constitutional gap highlighted Nigeria’s political vulnerabilities. “But when you become an acting president, you are at the same time a commander-in-chief. So that was lacking, and no country allows that gap.” Jonathan drew stark contrasts to the United States, where protocols ensure seamless leadership transitions, emphasizing, “If an American president wants to, even if it’s a whitlow that he requires an extension, he will hand over to the vice president before that procedure. Immediately he regains consciousness, he takes over. But we stayed for some time.”

This unprecedented silence of power led to what has now been referred to as the “doctrine of necessity.” “When the National Assembly felt that the country was in a situation where it was not expected,” Jonathan recounted, “they now had to initiate this doctrine of necessity. They now made me act as president without a letter from Yar’Adua.”

The political uproar surrounding these events set the stage for Jonathan’s ascension to the presidency, following Yar’Adua’s death in May 2010 after months of illness. He subsequently completed the term and later won the 2011 presidential election, becoming the first Nigerian president from the southern region since Obasanjo’s era.


Jonathan’s insights illuminate an often-examined era in Nigeria’s political landscape, raising pressing questions around accountability and governance during crises. His allegations add nuance to the historical narrative, suggesting that behind the veil of constitutional propriety, personal motives may have influenced decisions that had cascading effects on the nation’s political stability.

Reflecting on these tumultuous times, Jonathan stated, “There’s always a balancing between North and South, Muslims and Christians. And Yar’Adua was a Northern Muslim, serving as president. He took over from a Southern Christian, Obasanjo, who ruled for eight years.” This statement encapsulates the persistent regional and religious schisms that continue to affect Nigeria’s political fabric today.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with its past and remake its political future, the revelations from Goodluck Jonathan serve as a crucial reminder of the fragility of power and the importance of unwavering transparency within the corridors of governance. The implications of his statements will likely resonate beyond the immediate political discourse as citizens and lawmakers alike reflect on the lessons learned and the paths not taken during a pivotal time in Nigeria’s history.

Jonathan’s revelations not only shine a light on the shadows of political history but also present an opportunity for deeper reflection on the systemic failures that hinder Nigeria’s growth. In an age where leadership integrity is vital, his testimony reminds us that accountability should be a non-negotiable tenet of governance.

As Nigeria attempts to forge ahead, the lessons of the past remain a touchstone for its leaders and citizens alike, as they navigate the delicate balancing act of power, trust, and the collective aspiration for a brighter, more unified future.

Tags: Goodluck JonathanNigeriaUmaru Musa Yar'Adua
ADVERTISEMENT
Previous Post

Obi of Aboh Kingdom, Dr Gregory Nnamdi Oputa III Empowers Market Women In Aboh

Next Post

Nigeria Police at Airport Apprehend Suspected International Fraudster with 783 MTN SIM Cards

You MayAlso Like

News

HOS, DSCHC Joins Force To Clamp Health Facilities Denying Enrollees Access To Healthcare

August 11, 2025
News

Concerns, Criticisms Cast Shadow on Reinstatement of Professor Stella Ngozi Lemchi as Vice-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University

August 10, 2025
News

ASUU to Government: Stop Turning Universities Into Political Trading Posts

August 10, 2025
News

Ex-Minister Audu Ogbeh Dies

August 9, 2025
News

1,600 exotic birds seized at Nigeria’s airport

August 8, 2025
News

Prince Harry cleared of ‘bullying’ in African charity row

August 8, 2025
Next Post

Nigeria Police at Airport Apprehend Suspected International Fraudster with 783 MTN SIM Cards

NYSC Director of Procurement Urges Corps Members to Embrace Skill Acquisition for a Competitive Future

Discussion about this post

Concerns, Criticisms Cast Shadow on Reinstatement of Professor Stella Ngozi Lemchi as Vice-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University

Nearly a Decade Later, Peter Obi’s Educational Legacy Resonates Beyond Borders

Ben Nwoye demands accountability, an end to political lawlessness in Enugu APC

Pzafaama Foundation distributed educational and welfare kits to 500 Less-Privileged Pupils

DSS officer reveals how advanced technology helped capture suspects of Labour Party candidate’s abduction

“Enough of This Charade! Ugochukwu Agballa Is an Impostor—Court Says So”– Dr. Nwoye Unleashes Stinging Political Blitz

  • British government apologizes to Peter Obi, as hired impostors, master manipulators on rampage abroad

    1239 shares
    Share 496 Tweet 310
  • Maids trafficked and sold to wealthy Saudis on black market

    1065 shares
    Share 426 Tweet 266
  • Flight Attendant Sees Late Husband On Plane

    970 shares
    Share 388 Tweet 243
  • ‘Céline Dion Dead 2023’: Singer killed By Internet Death Hoax

    903 shares
    Share 361 Tweet 226
  • Crisis echoes, fears grow in Amechi Awkunanaw in Enugu State

    735 shares
    Share 294 Tweet 184
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest

British government apologizes to Peter Obi, as hired impostors, master manipulators on rampage abroad

April 13, 2023

Maids trafficked and sold to wealthy Saudis on black market

December 27, 2022
Flight Attendant Sees Late Husband On Plane

Flight Attendant Sees Late Husband On Plane

September 22, 2023
‘Céline Dion Dead 2023’: Singer killed By Internet Death Hoax

‘Céline Dion Dead 2023’: Singer killed By Internet Death Hoax

March 21, 2023
Chief Mrs Ebelechukwu, wife of Willie Obiano, former governor of Anambra state

NIGERIA: No, wife of Biafran warlord, Bianca Ojukwu lied – Ebele Obiano:

0

SOUTH AFRICA: TO LEAVE OR NOT TO LEAVE?

0
kelechi iheanacho

TOP SCORER: IHEANACHA

0
Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

WHAT CAN’TBE TAKEN AWAY FROM JONATHAN

0

HOS, DSCHC Joins Force To Clamp Health Facilities Denying Enrollees Access To Healthcare

August 11, 2025

Degrees of Deceit? ASUU Confronts the Return of Alvan Ikoku Federal University Controversial Vice-Chancellor

August 11, 2025

Passenger’s Violent Outburst Sparks Travel Ban by Ibom Air

August 11, 2025

Chad’s opposition leader sentenced to 20 years in prison for inciting violence

August 11, 2025

ABOUT US

Time Africa Magazine

TIME AFRICA MAGAZINE is an African Magazine with a culture of excellence; a magazine without peer. Nearly a third of its readers hold advanced degrees and include novelists, … READ MORE >>

SECTIONS

  • Aviation
  • Column
  • Crime
  • Europe
  • Featured
  • Gallery
  • Health
  • Interviews
  • Israel-Hamas
  • Lifestyle
  • Magazine
  • Middle-East
  • News
  • Politics
  • Press Release
  • Russia-Ukraine
  • Science
  • Special Report
  • Sports
  • TV/Radio
  • UAE
  • UK
  • US
  • World News

Useful Links

  • AllAfrica
  • Channel Africa
  • El Khabar
  • The Guardian
  • Cairo Live
  • Le Republicain
  • Magazine: 9771144975608
  • Subscribe to TIME AFRICA biweekly news magazine

    Enjoy handpicked stories from around African continent,
    delivered anywhere in the world

    Subscribe

    • About Time Africa Magazine
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • WHO’SWHO AWARDS

    © 2025 Time Africa Magazine - All Right Reserved. Time Africa is a trademark of Times Associates, registered in the U.S, & Nigeria. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service.

    No Result
    View All Result
    • WHO’SWHO AWARDS
    • Politics
    • Column
    • Interviews
    • Gallery
    • Lifestyle
    • Special Report
    • Sports
    • TV/Radio
    • Aviation
    • Health
    • Science
    • World News

    © 2025 Time Africa Magazine - All Right Reserved. Time Africa is a trademark of Times Associates, registered in the U.S, & Nigeria. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service.

    This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.