Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has returned home and was welcomed as a hero by the people of Bayelsa who converged at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre to receive him.
Jonathan was accompanied by his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan and was received by the Bayelsa state Governor, Seriake Dickson, his deputy, John Gboribiogha Jonah and other respected Bayelsa elders and chiefs.
Speaking at the occasion, Jonathan said he was overwhelmed by the large turnout of Bayelsans to welcome him in spite of noticeable shortcomings of his administration in terms of attracting dividends of democracy to the state. Jonathan said he had thought he would be booed and cursed by the people for some decisions made and development not attracted to the state.
“Because you are exposed to the decision of high office and the thought that you may not have satisfied the people, sometimes you think they will curse you or boo you. But instead, the people have decided to celebrate me,” the president said.
“Nigerians have given me so much and the only thing I can do with the rest of my life is to dedicate myself to peace building. We need peace and Development. Political crisis doesn’t bring development. I believe the new administration will work with everybody. I am happy the new President said he does not belong to any clique but for Nigerians,” he said.
The former President was accompanied to the state by some of his core loyalists including the Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi among other dignitaries.
Welcome sir. U are a man of peace