Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Former Vice President Namadi Sambo has described his former boss, President Goodluck Jonathan, as a peaceful and civilized statesman.

Sambo spoke in Abuja at the presentation of Jonathan‘s book, “My Transition Hours”.

Addressing the audience, the former Vice President said:

“Today is a special day; we gather to celebrate my teacher and leader.

“We have Abdulsalami who handed over to a civilian. We are expecting Obasanjo who established the foundation, Yar’Adua built on it.

READ ALSO: Abdulsalami to Jonathan: You are the reason we are enjoying peace today

“Jonathan love is based on merit. He is a gentleman, peaceful and a simple and civilised statesman.

“When he was considering who will be his VP, while permutations and lobbying were on, I was Kaduna Governor and I was only campaigning for somebody else.”

Sambo said Jonathan’s appointments were based on merit including that of Professor Tahiru Jega, former chairman of Independent Electoral Commission (INEC).

The former Vice President recalled the Ebola outbreak of 2014. According to him, “we were scared. Mr. President had just returned from United States at about 5am. He called me at 6am to report for a meeting in his office at 7am. I met SGF, ministers and others. The reason was to address the emergence of Ebola.”

He described his working experience with Jonathan as a “Pleasure and rewarding experience.”

Sambo added, “Nigeria and Nigerians remain indebted to you. You have written your name in gold.

“He is a true nationalist and good compatriot, who relinquished power at a time when African leaders are known to hold on to power even when the ovation is lowest.

“The content of the book I bet will be revealing and educative.”

Sambo recalled an experience he had in Washington DC and how he was given quick attention by the immigration officer who realized he was former Vice President to Jonathan.

He said he had to rush back to remind the officer to stamp his passport.

***

Details later…