Despite Losing To Buhari In 2015, Our Relationship Is Okay – Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan said on Tuesday that he shared a healthy relationship with President Muhammadu Buhari, in spite of the fact that he lost the 2015 election to him.

He stated that their relationship remained “okay”, as the two often had friendly interactions.

The former President spoke with State House Correspondents shortly after he ended a closed-door meeting with Buhari.

The meeting dwelt on the political crisis in Mali.

Jonathan, who is the Economic Community of West African States’ Special Envoy to Mali, was at the Villa to brief Buhari on the outcome of his recent trip to Mali to intervene in the crisis.

He visited Buhari in company with the President of ECOWAS Commission, Mr Jean-Claude Kassi Brou.

Asked a specific question on his relationship with his successor, Jonathan replied, “You have been seeing me coming and you have been seeing us having friendly conversations.

“So, our relationship is okay.”

The former President was elated over the inauguration of the Itakpe-Warri railway project and the decision of Buhari to name if after him.

He praised his successor for opting to continue with inherited projects.

Jonathan spoke further, “Let me use this opportunity to commend Mr President publicly. I have already sent a letter to appreciate him. It is a good gesture.

“And completing the railway programme is good. It shows that the President is doing, is going on with the legacy projects of the previous administrations. That is the way to go.

“I sent a letter to him. I commended him verbally too but you are asking me now. Let me also do it publicly.

“I appreciate it; I thank Mr President, the Minister of Transportation (Rotimi Amaechi), and others that made it possible.”