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From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Former Minister and diplomat, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, has slammed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his recent comments on the stewardship of former President Goodluck Jonathan, describing his claims as “inaccurate, reductive, and inconsistent with Nigeria’s documented history”.
In a statement made available to the media, Ambassador Yuguda acknowledged that though Abubakar described Dr Jonathan as a “decent man”, such recognition must not be overshadowed by assertions that misrepresent the former President’s record.
Ambassador Yuguda, who served under President Jonathan in multiple capacities, outlined the former President’s progression through critical leadership roles, including Deputy Governor, Governor, Vice President, Acting President, and ultimately President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Highlighting key achievements during the Jonathan administration, Yuguda pointed to Nigeria’s economic expansion, including its emergence at the time as Africa’s largest economy, alongside improved investor confidence and relative macroeconomic stability.
“These were not accidental gains. They were the product of deliberate policy choices and disciplined implementation,” he noted.
The Ambassador also emphasised reforms in the agricultural sector, which he said helped improve food availability and earned Nigeria international recognition for progress in hunger reduction.
In infrastructure, he referenced the administration’s efforts to revive long-abandoned rail networks, describing them as critical to improving mobility and reducing the cost of transportation.
“I had the privilege of commissioning the rehabilitation of the Zaria–Gusau–Kaura Namoda rail line. It was part of a broader commitment to restoring infrastructure that had been neglected for decades,” Yuguda recalled.
On the international stage, Yuguda highlighted Nigeria’s strengthened diplomatic standing during Jonathan’s presidency, including the country’s election to the United Nations Security Council for two terms within a relatively short period.
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“Nigeria’s voice carried weight globally. Our engagements were strategic, and our leadership was respected across international platforms.”
Beyond policy achievements, Ambassador Yuguda underscored what he described as the defining hallmark of Jonathan’s presidency: his temperament and commitment to democratic values.
“Even under pressure, President Jonathan remained calm, respectful, and deeply committed to the unity of the country. He consistently advised those of us in government to avoid unnecessary public confrontation and to uphold the dignity of public office.”
Yuguda stressed that this disposition was most evident during the 2015 general elections, which he described as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
“Faced with security challenges and intense political contestation, President Jonathan chose the path of peace. His decision to concede defeat without hesitation was not only historic—it fundamentally strengthened Nigeria’s democratic culture,” Yuguda added.
According to Yuguda, that act of statesmanship continues to resonate both within Nigeria and across the African continent.
The former Minister also commended Jonathan’s conduct since leaving office, describing him as a consistent voice for peace, institutional respect, and democratic consolidation.
“In and out of the office, Dr. Jonathan has remained measured in speech and responsible in action. At a time when political discourse is often heated, his restraint stands as a model of true statesmanship.”
While acknowledging that no administration is without its shortcomings, Yuguda cautioned against what he described as “revisionist narratives” that seek to diminish the legacy of past leadership.
