I handed over Nigeria that had grown to become the largest economy in Africa and the 24th largest economy in the World - Jonathan

Ex-President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has responded to his critics who accused him of handed over a nation at the verge of collapse to Presi­dent Muhammadu Buhari.


Speaking with Friends of Africa Coalition at the Mayor’s office in New Jersey, USA, Jonathan re­counted the achievements of his government to include handing over a country that produced the richest man in Africa.

He said: “I am proud to say that while I was the president of Nigeria, the second largest econo­my in Africa with a GDP of $270.5 billion in 2009, I handed over a Nigeria that had grown to become the largest economy in Africa and the 24th largest economy in the World with a GDP of $574 billion.

“I inherited a Nigeria in which the trains were not working, and handed over a Nigeria in which citizens can safely travel by trains again. I inherited a Nigeria that was a net importer of cement, and handed over a Nigeria that is a net exporter of cement. In 2009 the richest Nigerian was the 5th rich­est man in Africa, but I handed over a Nigeria that produced the richest man in Africa.”

The former President stated that democracy will continue to grow in the African continent if leaders value the process of elec­tions more than the product of the process.

He give reasons for handing over to his successor after losing the 2015 Presidential election, stressing that he love his people and respect­ the will of the people. This is the spirit of true leadership!