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85-514: The concept of the city was conceived as a legacy project to mark the 100 year anniversary of Nigeria by January 1, 2014, during the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan . The city will have a mixed-use urban center, a central business district, a financial center, a museum and cultural center to promote African and global arts, world-class hotels, Grade A offices, residential districts, an 18-hole golf course, polo and country club, an international convention center, sports and leisure facilities,

170-656: A lead poisoning incident. Over 400 children died and Human Rights Watch said that releasing the funds "could be lifesaving for countless children." On 1 January 2012, the Jonathan administration announced the start of a controversial plan to end fuel subsidies. Following the Nigeria Labour Congress ' warning that the country faces many strikes, the country unions followed up with strikes that were matched with civil protests from 9–13 January 2012. Protesters and groups called for Jonathan to resign over

255-468: A Jersey account (£210m in British pounds). In 2019, more than 20 years after his death the U.S. Justice Department, Jersey courts and the government of Nigeria completed a civil asset forfeiture against the funds and they will be divided between those countries. Abacha oversaw the re-organisation of Nigeria into six geopolitical zones , in order to reflect cultural, economic, and political realities of

340-560: A Liberian-American, flew from Monrovia to Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos , with a stopover at Lomé , Togo. He was subsequently described as having appeared to be "terribly ill" when he left Monrovia. Sawyer became violently ill upon arriving at the airport and died five days later. In response, the Nigerian government observed all of Sawyer's contacts for signs of infection and increased surveillance at all entry points to

425-538: A coalition of military forces from Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger began a counter-insurgency campaign against Boko Haram. On 4 February 2015, the Chad Army killed over 200 Boko Haram militants. Soon afterwards, Boko Haram launched an attack on the Cameroonian town of Fotokol , killing 81 civilians, 13 Chadian soldiers and 6 Cameroonian soldiers. On 17 February 2015 the Nigerian military retook Monguno in

510-653: A coordinated air and ground assault. On 7 March 2015, Boko Haram's leader Abubakar Shekau pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) via an audio message posted on the organisation's Twitter account. Nigerian army spokesperson Sami Usman Kukasheka said the pledge was a sign of weakness and that Shekau was like a "drowning man". That same day, five suicide bomb blasts left 54 dead and 143 wounded. On 12 March 2015, ISIL's spokesman Abu Mohammad al-Adnani released an audiotape in which he welcomed

595-464: A doctorate in zoology from the University of Port Harcourt . During his time in the university, he taught at Rivers State College of Education from 1983 to 1993. Before entering into politics in 1998, Jonathan worked as an education inspector, a lecturer and an environmental-protection officer. His political career began when he became involved with the nascent People's Democratic Party (PDP) in

680-574: A hundred people, subsequently clashing with security forces in December , resulting in at least 68 deaths. Two days later on Christmas Day, Boko Haram attacked several Christian churches with bomb blasts and shootings. Following the January 2012 Northern Nigeria attacks , which left over hundreds of casualties, Abubakar Shekau , a former deputy of Mohammed Yusuf , appeared in a video posted on YouTube. According to Reuters , Shekau took control of

765-621: A lecture at George Washington University , although she later denied it. Jonathan's government has largely been described as corrupt. According to The Economist , corruption flourished under the Jonathan administration , "who let politicians and their cronies fill their pockets with impunity." Large sums of money have been used improperly multiple times, with ₦ 3.98 trillion (US$ 20 billion) allegedly going missing and ₦398 billion ($ 2 billion) of military funds allegedly dispersed amongst high-ranking officials. In 2006, reports released by Wikileaks claimed that Jonathan's wife, Patience Jonathan ,

850-637: A legislator, to discourage hundreds from voting. Niger Army soldiers during counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram in March 2015. In March 2015, Boko Haram lost control of the Northern Nigerian towns of Bama and Gwoza (believed to be their headquarters) to the Nigerian Army . The Nigerian authorities said that they had taken back 11 of the 14 districts previously controlled by Boko Haram. In April 2016, four Boko Haram camps in

935-624: A personal security force of 3,000 men trained in North Korea . Abacha's chief security officer Hamza al-Mustapha had an iron grip on the apparatus of military security. The Nigeria Police Force underwent a large-scale retraining. The state cracked down ruthlessly on criminals and dissidents, the National Democratic Coalition was attributed with several bombings across the country, and several members were arrested. When Moshood Abiola proclaimed himself president, he

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1020-585: A platoon and battalion commander. He later became commander of the 2nd Infantry Division in 1975. In 1983, Abacha was general officer commanding of the 2nd Mechanised Division , and was appointed a member of the Supreme Military Council . In 1983, Abacha played a prominent role in the 1983 Nigerian coup d'état which brought General Muhammadu Buhari to power; and the 1985 Nigerian coup d'état which removed Buhari and brought General Ibrahim Babangida to power. When General Ibrahim Babangida

1105-576: A poll, 92% of Nigerians supported the ban. Jonathan's administration was heavily criticized for its failure to tackle insecurity. The first major challenge was the October 2010 Independence Day bombing . Okah told the court that President Jonathan and his aides organised the attacks in Abuja in a desperate political strategy to demonise political opponents, including former military head of state General Ibrahim Babangida , and to win popular sympathy ahead of

1190-469: A safari Park, educational institutions, healthcare, and community amenities. It is to be private-sector driven. Centenary City has been declared an Economic City and approved for Free Trade Zone (FTZ) status by Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA). Centenary City is not the first FTZ to be licensed by NEPZA. There are over 30 FTZ operating in Nigeria approved by the government in order to boost

1275-405: Is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Goodluck Jonathan This is an accepted version of this page Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan GCFR GCON (born 20 November 1957) is a Nigerian politician who served as the president of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015. He lost the 2015 presidential election to former military head of state General Muhammadu Buhari and

1360-512: Is no case of Ebola in Nigeria. All listed contacts who were under surveillance have been followed up for 21 days. "According to the WHO , 20 cases and 8 deaths had been confirmed, along with the imported case, who also died. Four of the dead were health care workers who had cared for Sawyer. In all, 529 contacts had been followed and of that date they had all completed a 21-day mandatory period of surveillance. In January 2014, Jonathan signed into law

1445-708: The Central Bank of Nigeria after a series of public investigations and raising the alarm on the US$ 20 ;billion NNPC scandal in a leaked letter which revealed that the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation failed to account for US$ 48.9 billion of government oil revenue to the central bank – the NNPC has a history of financial irregularities and oversees the corrupt petroleum industry in Nigeria . Sanusi would go on to reveal

1530-577: The Central Bank of Nigeria to Gwarzo, who took them to Abacha's house. Mohammed Sada then arranged to launder the money to offshore accounts . An estimated $ 1.4 billion in cash was delivered in this way. In 2004, a list of the ten most self-enriching leaders in the previous two decades was released; in order of amount allegedly stolen, the fourth-ranked of these leaders was Abacha and his family who are alleged to have embezzled between $ 1 billion – $ 5 billion. In 2002, rumours circulated that Abacha's family purportedly agreed to return $ 1.2 billion. Sources in

1615-707: The Federal Executive Council and chairman of the National Economic Council. Jonathan was named Acting President of Nigeria on 9 February 2010, following a controversial doctrine of necessity from the Senate of Nigeria due to President Yar'Adua's trip to Saudi Arabia in November 2009 for medical treatment. On 10 February 2010, his first day as acting president, Jonathan announced a minor cabinet reshuffle. In accordance with

1700-501: The Niger Delta . Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan , have two children, Ariwera (son) and Aruabai (daughter). Sani Abacha Sani Abacha GCFR ( ( listen ) ; (20 September 1943 – 8 June 1998) was a Nigerian military dictator and statesman who ruled Nigeria as the military head of state from 1993 following a palace coup d'état until his sudden death in 1998. Abacha's seizure of power

1785-825: The Nigerian Fourth Republic a year later and he was succeeded as Nigeria's head of state by General Abdulsalami Abubakar . Abacha was born and brought up in Kano to a Kanuri family originally from present-day Borno State . He attended the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna , and was commissioned in 1963 after he had attended the Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot , England . Abacha

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1870-642: The Sambisa Forest were overrun by the Nigerian military who freed nearly 300 females. Boko Haram forces were believed to have retreated to the Mandara Mountains , along the Cameroon–Nigeria border . On 16 March 2015, the Nigerian army said that it had recaptured Bama. On 27 March 2015, the day before the Nigerian presidential election , the Nigerian Army announced that it had recaptured

1955-795: The US State Department , Abacha did have a few ties to American politicians. In 1997, Senator James Inhofe ( R - Oklahoma ) travelled to Nigeria to meet with Abacha as a representative of the " Family ", a group of evangelical Christian politicians and civic leaders. Abacha and the Family had a business and political relationship from that point until his death. Abacha also developed ties with other American political figures such as Senator Carol Moseley Braun (D-Illinois) Rev. Jesse Jackson and Minister Louis Farrakhan . Several African American political leaders visited Nigeria during his reign and Farrakhan supported his administration. Abacha

2040-517: The APC primary nomination form was picked up for him by an unknown political group. Nothing was later heard of it, as Jonathan never appeared for screening at the APC Secretariat. Former Lagos State governor, Bola Tinubu, emerged the APC candidate at a primary election conducted on 8 June 2022, defeating then-vice president Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and a host of other aspirants. In 2023, Jonathan

2125-533: The Boko Haram rebels were able to regain their strength. Although initially offering amnesty, by June 2013 he ordered a 20-year jail term for anyone found to be in support of Boko Haram. In July 2013, Boko Haram massacred 42 students in Yobe , bringing the school year to an early end in the state. On 5 August 2013, Boko Haram launched dual attacks on Bama and Malam Fatori, leaving 35 dead. On 16 January 2014, it

2210-637: The Monday Market in Maiduguri , killing 19 people. The city is considered to be at the heart of the Boko Haram insurgency. In the early hours of 25 January 2015, Boko Haram launched a major assault on the city. On 26 January 2015 CNN reported that the attack on Maiduguri by "hundreds of gunmen" had been repelled, but the nearby town of Monguno was captured by Boko Haram. The Nigerian Army claimed to have successfully repelled another attack on Maiduguri on 31 January 2015. Starting in late January 2015,

2295-593: The Nigerian power sector has been plagued by blackouts , mainly due to poor maintenance, theft, and a lack of government oversight rooted in corruption. Economists estimate that power outages have cost Nigeria, Africa's biggest economy, billions of dollars in imported diesel for generators and lost output. In a study conducted by the World Bank , a lack of access to financing and electricity were cited as Nigeria's main obstacles to development, surpassing corruption. Jonathan suspended Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as governor of

2380-510: The North and captured them. This prompted the Nigerian government to launch an offensive, and with the help of Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, they have recaptured many areas that were formerly under the control of Boko Haram. In late 2014, Boko Haram seized control of Bama , according to the town's residents. In December 2014, it was reported that "people too elderly to flee Gwoza Local Government Area were being rounded up and taken to two schools where

2465-552: The Obasanjo administration disclosed that the whole Abacha loot was politicised by the administration for his re-election bid. On 7 August 2014, the United States Department of Justice announced the forfeiture of US$ 480 million, the largest in its history, to the Nigerian government. Jersey discovered more than $ 267 million in funds that were allegedly laundered through the U.S. banking system and deposited in

2550-599: The Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act after it was passed by the Senate and House of Representatives . The law prohibits gay relationships, membership and other involvement in gay societies and organisations and gay marriages. The bill came after international polls showed that 98% of Nigerians did not think homosexuality should be accepted by society, the highest percentage of any country surveyed. Penalties can be up to 14 years in prison for gay marriages and up to 10 years for other violations of

2635-693: The abductions. Jonathan initially denied that there had been any abduction at all, but then later signaled his government would do a prisoner release in exchange for the kidnapped girls. Discussions then took place in Paris with foreign ministers from France, Britain, the United States and Israel, where he agreed no deals should be struck with terrorists. He then called off the exchange at the last minute on 24 May 2014. This reportedly enraged Boko Haram leaders. In May 2014, two bombs exploded in Jos , resulting in

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2720-595: The cause of death as a sudden heart attack . It is believed by foreign diplomats, including United States intelligence analysts, that he may have been poisoned. His chief security officer , Hamza al-Mustapha, believed he was poisoned by Israeli operatives in the company of Yasser Arafat . At the time of his death, he was allegedly about to transfer power to a civilian government in October 1998, implemented in October 1995. After Abacha's death, General Abdulsalami Abubakar became head of state, whose short tenure ushered in

2805-443: The corrupt practices uncovered by a technical committee she has assembled. Jonathan expressed alarm that billions of naira were being lost by the nation due to the subsidy regime. Many prominent Nigerians spoke out against the removal of the subsidy. Former Petroleum Minister Professor Tam David-West expressed concern that the planned removal of the fuel subsidy will squeeze the economy, increase inflation, and hurt both businesses and

2890-804: The country to campaign for the nation's highest office. A year later, on 29 May 2011, he was sworn in as the President of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, becoming Nigeria's 14th Head of State. He gave his inauguration address where he declared his government was to focus on a Transformation Agenda and promised to continue implementing the seven-point agenda policy framework of President Yar'Adua. He cited anti-corruption, power and electoral reforms as focuses of his administration. He stated that he came to office under "very sad and unusual circumstances". Under Jonathan's administration, Nigeria rebased its gross domestic product for

2975-476: The country's five political parties into endorsing him as the sole presidential candidate. In 1995, following the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa , Nigeria was suspended from the Commonwealth of Nations . While hosting Nelson Mandela , Abacha admitted he was advised against interfering with Saro-Wiwa's trial—but made assurances that he would use his rank in government to commute the sentence if death sentence

3060-570: The country, as a way to strengthen his agenda of Pan-Africanism . Abacha intervened in the Liberian Civil War . Through the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group , Abacha sent troops to Liberia to fight against the rising insurgency in the country. The Civil War, which began in 1989, saw an influx of Nigerian troops from 1990 when Abacha was defence minister. Despite being repeatedly condemned by

3145-686: The country, including the Abuja-Kaduna railway, and conceptualized high-speed rail projects. It also managed the construction and beautification of several federal roads, including the Lagos-Benin Expressway, Abuja-Lokoja Expressway, Enugu-Abakiliki Expressway, Onitsha-Owerri Highway, and most parts of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway. His administration also oversaw the construction of the second Niger Bridge between Onitsha and Asaba, which helped relieve

3230-505: The country. On 6 August 2014, the Nigerian health minister told reporters: "Yesterday, the first known Nigerian to die of Ebola was recorded. This was one of the nurses that attended to the Liberian. The other five newly confirmed cases are being treated at an isolation ward." The doctor who treated Sawyer, Ameyo Adadevoh , subsequently also died of Ebola. On 22 September 2014, the Nigeria ministry of health announced: "As of today, there

3315-419: The country. The Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Program (SURE-P) was also intended to improve maternal health and reduce maternal mortality. The government followed the advice of international experts who claimed the fuel subsidy (which cost $ 8 billion per year, or 25% of the annual government budget) was unsustainable. The Brookings Institution , a think tank, praised the government's move, arguing that

3400-548: The deaths of at least 118 people and the injury or over 56 others. During the June 2014 Northern Nigeria attacks , a plaza in the capital city was bombed and hundreds of villagers attacked in a two-day killing spree in Kaduna. In November, Boko Haram bombed the city of Kano , attempting to assassinate the Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II . Starting in late 2014, Boko Haram militants attacked several Nigerian towns in

3485-526: The economy and attract foreign direct investments (FDI). As of August 2018, plans were afoot for the project to get back on track after three years of administrative and land acquisition setbacks. Speaking at a press briefing, the director of NEPZA said the project when completed will attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) worth over $ 18bn and create direct 250,000 jobs. He revealed that the local and foreign investors led by Nigerian businessman, Alhaji Baba Dantata and Front Range, have so invested $ 40 million on

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3570-507: The election to challenger Muhammadu Buhari , who was sworn in to succeed him on 29 May 2015. Jonathan said in a statement he issued on 31 March 2015 that "Nobody's ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian." Since leaving office, Jonathan has continued to defend his administration. In 2019, he was appointed as the honorary special advisor to the Bayelsa Education Trust Fund board. In June 2019, Goodluck Jonathan

3655-696: The elections. On 29 May 2011, a few hours after Goodluck Jonathan was sworn in as president, several bombings purportedly by Boko Haram killed 15 and injured 55. On 16 June 2011, Boko Haram claimed to have conducted the Abuja police headquarters bombing , the first known suicide attack in Nigeria. Two months later the United Nations building in Abuja was bombed , signifying the first time that Boko Haram attacked an international organisation. In December 2011, it carried out attacks in Damaturu killing over

3740-554: The execution of environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa . Sani Abacha was one of the twentieth century's most corrupt dictators as a kleptocrat for the alleged embezzlement of US$ 2–5 billion. Abacha, and his family allegedly hid most of the loot abroad in Switzerland, as well as in other jurisdictions including Liechtenstein, the United Kingdom and the United States. Abacha's death on 8 June 1998 brought about

3825-522: The exploitation of Nigerian resources by the multinational petroleum company, Royal Dutch Shell ), whose death later led to the eviction of Nigeria from the Commonwealth Nations. Wole Soyinka was charged in absentia with treason. Abacha's regime suffered opposition externally by pro-democracy activists. Abacha's administration oversaw an increase in the country's foreign exchange reserves from $ 494 million in 1993 to $ 9.6 billion by

3910-443: The extent of financial recklessness that Nigeria lost a billion dollars a month to diversion of public funds under the Jonathan administration, with oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke diverting $ 6 billion (₦1.2 trillion) from the Nigerian treasury. In addition, Jonathan was alleged to have personally ordered over ₦3 trillion ($ 15 billion) from the Central Bank of Nigeria to support his election and other self-serving projects under

3995-563: The first time in over a decade, becoming the largest economy in Africa by overtaking South Africa and Egypt . The Jonathan administration accrued over US$ 454 billion while in office from oil revenue. Jonathan previously served as an assistant director at the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development commission between 1993 and 1998. The Jonathan administration oversaw the construction of new railways in

4080-441: The general elections. Jonathan said "I don't think Nigerians will make the mistake of voting for Buhari. Gen. Buhari, with due respect, is not the right option for Nigeria at this time. It is a gamble that is not worth taking. I may not be perfect as nobody is perfect. But I believe that come Saturday, the majority of Nigerian voters will choose me as the best candidate to lead the nation forward." On 31 March 2015, Jonathan conceded

4165-544: The group after the death of Yusuf in 2009. Authorities had previously believed that Shekau died during the violence in 2009. By early 2012, the group was responsible for over 900 deaths. On 8 March 2012, a small Special Boat Service team and the Nigerian Army attempted to rescue two hostages, Chris McManus and Franco Lamolinara, being held in Nigeria by members of the Boko Haram terrorist organisation loyal to al-Qaeda . The two hostages were killed before or during

4250-462: The guise of an intervention fund for national security. Charles Soludo , a professor of economics and former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, equated Jonathan's financial recklessness to that of former Ugandan president Idi Amin . Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala , an economist and former Finance Minister of Nigeria , pegged Jonathan's administration as the main cause of Nigeria's economic woes in

4335-770: The impeachment of governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha by the Bayelsa State Assembly after being charged with money laundering in the United Kingdom . As Vice President, Jonathan took a very low profile. While recognising the constitutional limits of the Vice President's office, he participated in cabinet meetings and, by statute, was a member of the National Security Council, the National Defence Council,

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4420-662: The late 1990s. Jonathan entered into politics when General Sani Abacha , who ruled as military head of state of Nigeria from 1993 to 1998, died in office. In the 1999 Bayelsa State gubernatorial election , Diepreye Alamieyeseigha ran for governor under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party and chose Jonathan as his running mate. Alaimeyeseigha won the election and became the first civilian governor of Bayelsa State in May 1999. They were reelected in 2003 and Jonathan's diligence and loyalty to him earned him

4505-442: The law. Within a short period, the federal police department compiled a list of 168 gay people who would subsequently be jailed. Within days 38 lesbian and gay people had been jailed, with arrests beginning during Christmas. The anti- LGBT bill stipulates that those who withhold the details of LGBT individuals face prison terms of up to five years. His decision and the law itself have been described as controversial, but according to

4590-567: The master plan and other preliminary works. A signature infrastructure called “Buhari Tower”, named after incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari has been earmarked for construction within the Centenary City project. Work has commenced in 2018 on the first Co-development Project of Centenary City namely "The GROVE". Primary Infrastructure of the Site has reached 60% completion. This Federal Capital Territory , Nigeria location article

4675-580: The middle of 1997, and reduced the external debt of Nigeria from $ 36 billion in 1993 to $ 27 billion by 1997. Abacha also constructed between 25 and 100 km of urban road in major cities such as Kano , Gusau , Benin , Funtua , Zaria , Enugu , Kaduna , Aba, Lagos , Lokoja and Port Harcourt . Abacha brought the privatisation programs of the Ibrahim Babangida administration to a halt, reduced an inflation rate of 54% inherited from Ernest Shonekan to 8.5% between 1993 and 1998, all while

4760-450: The militants opened fire on them. " Over 50 elderly people in Bama were killed. A "gory" video was released of insurgents shooting over a hundred civilians in a school dormitory in the town of Bama. Between 3 and 7 January 2015, Boko Haram attacked the town of Baga and killed up to 2,000 people , perhaps the largest massacre by Boko Haram. On 10 January 2015, a bomb attack took place at

4845-434: The nation's electricity provider, was broken up into 15 firms, with Nigeria handing over control of state electricity assets to 15 private bidding companies. The Nigerian government contracted for the services of CPCS Transcom Limited , a Canada-based consulting firm specialising in transportation and energy infrastructure projects, to act as the transaction adviser for the handover of state electricity assets. Historically,

4930-460: The nation's primary commodity, oil was at an average of $ 15 per barrel. GDP growth, despite being estimated to be higher than the 2.2% growth in 1995, was largely limited to the petroleum sector . The unprecedented economic achievements coincided with the rapid expansion of embezzlement hitherto unseen in the history of corruption in Nigeria in the alleged saga known as "Abacha loot". Abacha's national security adviser, Alhaji Ismaila Gwarzo ,

5015-630: The order of succession in the Nigerian constitution , following President Yar'Adua's death on 5 May 2010, Jonathan, as Acting President, was sworn in as the substantive president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 6 May 2010. On 18 May 2010, the National Assembly approved Jonathan's nomination of Kaduna State Governor Namadi Sambo , to replace him as vice president. For the general election in 2011 , Jonathan and Vice President Sambo attended political events and travelled

5100-560: The pledge of allegiance, and described it as an expansion of the group's caliphate to West Africa. Following its declaration of loyalty to ISIL, Boko Haram was designated as the group's "West Africa Province" (Islamic State West Africa Province, or ISWAP) while Shekau was appointed as its first vali (governor). Furthermore, ISIL started to support Boko Haram, but also began to interfere in its internal matters. For example, ISIL's central leadership attempted to reduce Boko Haram's brutality toward civilians and internal critics, as Shekau's ideology

5185-594: The pressure on the old 1965 Niger Bridge, as well as the construction of airports across the country. The Akanu Ibiam Airport in Enugu was upgraded to an international airport, directly connecting the South-East region to the outside world for the first time since independence. On 2 August 2010, Jonathan launched his 'Roadmap for Power Sector Reform'. Its primary goal was to achieve stable electricity supply in Nigeria. The Power Holding Company of Nigeria , which acted as

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5270-491: The public. A former military Head of State who was also a former Minister for Petroleum & Natural Resources, General Muhammadu Buhari , urged Jonathan not to remove the fuel subsidy and to tackle corruption. Yakubu Gowon , another former military Head of State, warned the government that the country's infrastructure should be revived before fuel subsidy removal steps were taken. Former military president Gen. Ibrahim Babangida , joined millions of Nigerians protesting against

5355-566: The rank of a full military general without skipping a single rank. Abacha was the defence minister and most senior official within the military hierarchy during the crisis of the Third Republic . He orchestrated the coup d'état of 1993 which overthrew the Interim National Government of Ernest Shonekan . In his nationwide broadcast, Abacha portrayed the overthrow as an act of stability brought about through

5440-415: The recognition as Nigeria's most hardworking deputy governor. On 29 May 1999, Jonathan was sworn in as deputy governor of Bayelsa alongside Diepreye Alamieyeseigha who came in as the governor of the state on the platform of PDP. Jonathan served as Deputy Governor until December 2005. On 9 December 2005, Jonathan, who was the deputy governor at the time, was sworn in as the governor of Bayelsa State upon

5525-456: The regions: This was achieved after adding six states to the already existing 30 to make up the present 36 states in the country. Abacha held a constitutional conference between 1993 and 1995. Early in 1998, Abacha announced that elections would be held on 1 August, with a view toward handing power to a civilian government on 1 October. It later became apparent that Abacha had no intention of relinquishing power. By April 1998, Abacha had coerced

5610-494: The removal of fuel subsidies. After five days of national protests and strikes, on 16 January, Jonathan announced that the pump price of petroleum would be 97 naira per litre compared to a post-subsidy level of 147 naira. In 2012, upon the partial removal of petrol subsidies, the Jonathan administration instituted a subsidy re-investment programme designed to spend the money saved from partial petrol price deregulation on physical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, etc., across

5695-407: The removal of the fuel subsidy by the Jonathan administration, saying that the action is ill-timed. In March 2014, President Jonathan inaugurated the 2014 National Conference. The conference was the first of its kind since the 2005 political reform conference, it had 492 delegates that debated on key socio-political national issues impeding national development. On 20 July 2014, Patrick Sawyer ,

5780-576: The rescue attempt. All the hostage takers were reportedly killed. On 18 March, a bus station was bombed in Kano , with several casualties. In May 2013, Nigerian government forces launched an offensive in the Borno region in an attempt to dislodge Boko Haram fighters after a state of emergency was called on 14 May 2013. The state of emergency, applied to the states of Borno , Yobe , and Adamawa in northeastern Nigeria. The offensive had initial success, but

5865-564: The socio-political uncertainties caused by the 1993 presidential election . Abacha ruled as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 1993 to 1998. In September 1994, he issued a decree that placed his government above the jurisdiction of the courts effectively giving him absolute power. Another decree gave him the right to detain anyone for up to three months without trial. He further abrogated Decree 691 of 1993. Abacha assembled

5950-415: The subsidy crowded out other development spending, such as education, and discouraged investment in the country's economic lifeblood: the oil sector. In his book My Transition Hours , Goodluck Jonathan stated that the subsidy was consuming too much of the nations revenues and that the public believed the sector was highly corrupt. He mentioned that the Minister of Finance Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala , briefed him on

6035-512: The town of Gwoza from Boko Haram. By April 2015, the Nigerian military was reported to have retaken most of the areas previously controlled by Boko Haram in Northeastern Nigeria, except for the Sambisa Forest . In May 2015, the Nigerian military announced that they had released about 700 women from camps in Sambisa Forest . Jonathan believed the APC's popularity was inflated, having made his view clear in an interview with The Cable , Nigeria's Independent Online Newspaper in 2015—just two days to

6120-479: Was "too extreme even for the Islamic State". On 24 March 2015, residents of Damasak , Nigeria said that Boko Haram had taken more than 400 women and children from the town as they fled from coalition forces. On 27 March 2015, the Nigerian army captured Gwoza , which was believed to be the location of Boko Haram headquarters. On election day, 28 March 2015, Boko Haram extremists killed 41 people, including

6205-639: Was accused by the government of President Olusegun Obasanjo to have played a central role in the looting and transfer of money to overseas accounts . Abacha's son, Mohammed Abacha and best friend Alhaji Mohammed M. Sada were also involved. A preliminary report published by the Abdulsalam Abubakar transitional government in November 1998 described the process. The report mentioned that Sani Abacha told Ismaila Gwarzo to provide fake national security funding requests, which Abacha approved. The funds were usually sent in cash or traveller's cheques by

6290-543: Was appointed head of delegation for the African Union and COMESA in the 2023 Zimbabwean general election . On Friday, 25 August 2023, he addressed a press briefing giving Zimbabwe's electoral authority poor ratings. This was in harmony with similar findings by the SADC and SEAM delivered earlier in the same press briefing. Jonathan is known for sporting his trademark fedora that is commonly worn by inhabitants of

6375-548: Was born on 20 November 1957 in Ogbia to a Christian Ijaw family of canoe makers, in Otuoke, Bayelsa State. His father, Lawrence Ebele Jonathan, was a canoe maker and his mother, Eunice Ayi Ebele Jonathan, was a retired farmer. He attended a Christian primary and secondary school. Jonathan received a bachelor's degree in zoology ( second-class honours ), a master's degree in hydrobiology and fisheries biology ; and

6460-610: Was indicted for money-laundering by Nigeria's anti-crime agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). During Jonathan's administration, Nigeria's foreign policy was reviewed to reflect a "citizen-focused" approach, designed to "accord this vision of defending the dignity of humanity the highest priority" and connect foreign policy to domestic policy, while placing a greater emphasis on economic diplomacy. In January 2013, Jonathan reportedly promised $ 4 million to assist in cleaning up villages that have been affected by

6545-537: Was involved in all the military coups in Nigeria during his military career. In 1966, when he was still a second lieutenant with the 3rd Battalion in Kaduna , he took part in the July 1966 Nigerian counter-coup from the conceptual stage. He could well have been a participant in the Lagos or Abeokuta phases of the coup the previous January as well. In 1969, he fought during the Nigerian Civil War as

6630-452: Was jailed for treason and subsequently died in custody. Also, former military ruler Olusegun Obasanjo was jailed for treason and accused of plotting a coup together with General Oladipo Diya . In 1997, General Shehu Yar'Adua who was also jailed died in custody. Abacha's regime was accused of human rights abuses, especially after the hanging of Ogoni activist Ken Saro-Wiwa (only one of several executions of Ogoni activists opposed to

6715-506: Was married to Maryam Abacha and had seven sons and three daughters. As of 2018, he had thirty-three grandchildren. The scars on his face were tribal markings . On Monday 8 June 1998, Abacha died in the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja . He was buried on the same day according to Muslim tradition and without an autopsy , fueling speculation that he may have been assassinated. The government identified

6800-422: Was named President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 1985, Abacha was named Chief of Army Staff . He was later appointed Minister of Defence in 1990. Abacha served as Chief of Army Staff from 1985 to 1990, as Chief of Defence Staff from 1990 to 1993, and as Minister of Defence . Abacha is noted for having been the first Nigerian Army officer to attain

6885-510: Was named chairperson of the newly inaugurated International Summit Council for Peace. In July 2020, Jonathan was appointed special envoy of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to lead mediation talks during the 2020 Malian protests . It was alleged that Jonathan had expressed interest to stand for the 2023 Nigerian presidential election under the All Progressives Congress (APC). To achieve this,

6970-477: Was pronounced. Justice Ibrahim Auta was the judge presiding over the proceedings and sentenced Saro-Wiwa to death by hanging . Abacha did not commute the sentence. In 1997, Muammar Gaddafi 's West African Tour to Sani Abacha to mark the new Islamic year directly infringed United Nations Sanctions on Libya, yet he was greeted by thousands of Abacha's supporters who came out to demonstrate their loyalty in Kano . The Libyan leader sought to strengthen relations with

7055-686: Was reported that Jonathan had sacked his military high command in response to their inability to end the Islamist-led insurgency in Northern Nigeria. On 14 April, over 200 schoolgirls in Chibok were kidnapped . A few weeks later in May, a terrorist offensive was launched against the military in Chibok. Many demonstrations called for the government to be more responsive; Jonathan asked that demonstrators focus on blaming Boko Haram itself for

7140-433: Was the last successful coup d'état in Nigerian military history . He wielded power with an unyielding attitude and his rule heralded an unprecedented total disregard for human rights with several political assassinations and summary executions of dissidents and political opponents in Nigeria. His rule drew disrepute to the country with Nigeria becoming a pariah state in international relations particularly with regards to

7225-406: Was the first incumbent president in Nigerian history to concede defeat in an election, thus allowing for a peaceful transition of power . Previously, Jonathan served as the vice president of Nigeria from 2007 to 2010 under the administration of Umaru Musa Yar'Adua ; and in oil-rich Bayelsa State as governor from 2005 to 2007, and deputy governor from 1999 to 2005. Goodluck Jonathan

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