Former President Jonathan recounts risking his life for Niger Delta peace
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Former President Goodluck Jonathan shared details of his efforts to stabilize Nigeria鈥檚 oil-producing Niger Delta region, including entering a militant camp without armed security to negotiate peace. He made these remarks at the De Mangrove Conversation in Yenagoa, an event organized in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Renaissance Africa Energy, and the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation. Jonathan stated his connection to the oil industry began in childhood, witnessing oil facility development near his community in Bayelsa State. His career progressed from academia to environmental management, where he studied the impact of oil exploration in the Niger Delta. He emphasized that his experience as a scientist, governor, vice president, and president provided him with a unique understanding of the region's challenges. As vice president, he personally led negotiations with militants, insisting on visiting a camp without armed escorts despite security objections. He recounted instructing his CSO and ADC to surrender their weapons before entering the camp. This decision, he explained, fostered trust and facilitated dialogue, leading to the peace process and the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme. Jonathan stressed that addressing environmental degradation and historical neglect in the Niger Delta must remain a national priority for lasting peace.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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