Immediate past president of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, has reacted to reports by ThisDay on Monday that he is in Cote d’Ivoire on a self imposed exile to evade arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Miffed by the story, Jonathan put a call through to ThisDay, confirming he is truly the West African country, but to relax. Jonathan said he will return to Nigeria when he is done resting in the country.
The former president explained that he travelled to some cities in the United States of America, then departed the country for London before arriving Cote d’Ivoire via Paris.
But when reminded that ThisDay had tried to reach him several times last week to verify allegations that he was in exile, he said: “So what… I am not in exile. I am here resting.”
He said: “Yes I am in Cote d’Ivoire, I have been here for a week resting and this is my second trip to the country since I stepped down as president.”
He maintained however that he was not in exile because he had no reason to leave Nigeria as he had done his best for his country as president.
“I have made sacrifices for Nigeria. I am praised all over Africa for averting bloodshed and for the peaceful transition from one government to another, but it seems Nigeria does not appreciate my efforts.
“I have done my best for this country and if I have to die for it, I will do so. However, I am taking it easy here (Cote d’Ivoire) and when I am ready, I will come back,” he said.
