Ali Ndume, Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, has apologised for criticising former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Ndume says he has now realized the value and landmark a former President, Jonathan left in Nigeria and its political landscape after his tenure in office in 2015.
Dailytrust quoted the lawmaker as stated this on Saturday at Apo legislative quarters, Abuja, during the Grand Opening of Dr. PhysiQ Specialist Center for Wellness and Medical Lifestyle Change, and launching of a book titled: ‘Everything heals” authored by Dr. Susana Adams, the CEO of the Centre.
Speaking during the event, the Borno Senator said other people who were skeptical about the ex-president’s behaviour have also realised how great he is, adding that many Nigerians don’t value what they have until they lose it.
He said;
“I must confess, as people call me stubborn person, I’m also a stubborn person… I feel I need to make this testimony here, and also appreciate Mr.(Former) President, as they say you will never know what you have until you lose it. I will stop there.
“For this country, I think Nigerians know that they don’t value what they have until they lose that thing. We thank God for your life and you have changed the political culture and landscape of this country.
“You don’t know how great you are in the eyes of those that were skeptical, those that don’t know you, those that didn’t come close to you. But now, honestly, I am one of those that used to criticize you very well, but I will say it was constructive move,” the lawmaker said.
Speaking further, Ndume recalled how people working with the former President accused him of sponsoring Boko Haram and how he was vindicated by the court after 6 years of litigations.
The Senator said, “I had a breakfast with him (Jonathan) on 21st November (2011) and I was accused of sponsoring Boko Haram. He was saying, ‘Kai’ the man doesn’t… I don’t think the security would see it that way and from there, I went to SSS and I was detained for 30 days. I went to court for 6 years.
“And when I was vindicated, I had the opportunity to run to meet him, and he said, Ndume, you have been patient and God has vindicated you. Take this as part of blessings from the Almighty. He was genuinely speaking to me, and I believed in that.
“He wanted to be President but Nigeria being what it is, it was a different thing entirely. Like I said, he had left a landmark on this country.”
Meanwhile, Ndume’s statement comes few hours after Boko Haram terrorist ambushed and beheaded not less than 43 farmers in Borno community.
