Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, has said he will forever be grateful to former president Goodluck Jonathan, for playing instrumental role in his political career despite not even knowing him personally.
Unlike Buhari who has been accused of nepotism, Mohammed said, Jonathan is of a different breed. He hails him as a leader who not only impacted his own life, but also became the example of what a good leader should be both in Africa, and the world at large.
The Bauchi State Governor made the statement when he alongside Jonathan, paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Bauchi at his palace, on Tuesday.
The former President was in Bauchi to commission the Sabon Kaura to Miri Road which was named after him.
Mohammed said, “Your Highness, I am the happiest man today standing here, today history is been made. Somebody who is instrumental in my coming to the limelight in Nigeria is here with you.
“He came from Yenogoa in Bayelsa State, somebody I don’t have anything in common with other than the stake of nationalism and Nigerianess. He made me the Minister of the FCT without knowing me or belonging to the same political party, he has really impacted so much, he gave me responsibility and by so doing he has proven that he is a detribalised Nigerian.”
“The way and manner he left government and created impression globally in terms of democracy made me proud that I have a father and a mentor who is the face of democracy in Africa. Today, he is coming to our house, this house that we all respect in Bauchi and in the whole country. This is the house of the Areonakakanfo of the North.”
Reacting, Jonathan said, “Yes, I did not know him when I met him and made him the FCT Minister.
“In Nigeria, we have this tradition where some people feel that some ministries are big and juicy and must be given to a special person or that you have to know someone before you give him a responsibility role or put him somewhere.”
Mohammed previously landed himself in trouble after making bold claims about Jonathan, by placing the former president only second after God.
He said, “The former president is not only my boss but my mentor. As far as I am concerned, after God is President Jonathan”, he said.