Goodluck Jonathan
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| Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan | |
 | |
| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office 6 May 2010 Acting: 9 February 2010 – 6 May 2010 | |
| Vice President | Namadi Sambo |
|---|---|
| Preceded by | Umaru Yar'Adua |
| In office 29 May 2007 – 6 May 2010 | |
| President | Umaru Yar'Adua |
| Preceded by | Atiku Abubakar |
| Succeeded by | Namadi Sambo |
| In office 9 December 2005 – 28 May 2007 | |
| Preceded by | Diepreye Alamieyeseigha |
| Succeeded by | Timipre Sylva |
| Born | 20 November 1957 Ogbia, Nigeria |
| Political party | People's Democratic Party |
| Spouse(s) | Patience Faka Jonathan |
| Alma mater | University of Port Harcourt |
| Profession | Zoologist |
| Religion | Christianity |
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[edit] Early life, education and personal life
Jonathan was born in Otueke in Ogbia Local Government Area of the then Eastern Region, later Rivers State, now Bayelsa State to a family of canoe makers.[1][3] He holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Zoology in which he attained Second Class Honours, Upper Division. He also holds an M.Sc. in Hydrobiology/Fisheries biology, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Zoology from the University of Port Harcourt. After obtaining his degree, he worked as an education inspector, lecturer, and environmental-protection officer, until he decided to enter politics in 1998.[4]Jonathan is married to Patience Faka Jonathan and has two children.[5] Jonathan is a member of the Ijaw ethnic group.[6]
[edit] Early political career
[edit] Bayelsa State governorship
Jonathan began his career in politics in 1998, having joined the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in 1998.[3] Jonathan, previously the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, succeeded Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who was impeached by the Bayelsa State Assembly after being charged with money laundering in the United Kingdom. In September 2006, Jonathan's wife was indicted by the nation's anti-crime agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for money laundering related offences.[7][edit] Presidential race
In December 2006, Jonathan was selected as running mate to Umaru Yar'Adua for the ruling PDP presidential ticket in the April 2007 election.[8] On 20 April 2007, shortly before the presidential election, a militant attack that was described by police as an assassination attempt against Jonathan occurred in Bayelsa State.[9][edit] Vice Presidency
Following the PDP's disputed electoral victory, militants blew up Jonathan's country house in Otu-Eke, Bayelsa State on 16 May; two policemen were killed in the attack. Jonathan was not present at the time.[10] After taking office, Yar'Adua publicly declared his assets, and on 8 August 2007, Jonathan also did so.[11][12] According to Jonathan, as of 30 May 2007 he had a total of 295,304,420 naira ($8,569,662.40) in assets.[12][edit] Acting President
On 9 February 2010, the Senate determined that presidential power should be transmitted to the Vice President. He was appointed to serve as Acting President, with all the accompanying powers, until when and if Yar'Adua returned to full health. The power transfer was called a "coup without the word" by opposition lawyers and lawmakers.[13] The Nigerian Constitution requires a written letter from the President stating he is unable to serve or that the cabinet sends a medical team to examine him but this provision has not apparently been fulfilled leaving some doubts as to the constitutionality of the action.[14]
[edit] Presidency
Yar'Adua died on 5 May 2010. Jonathan was sworn in as Yar'Adua's replacement on 6 May 2010,[15] becoming Nigeria's 14th Head of State. He will serve as President until the next election. Upon taking office, Jonathan cited anti-corruption, power and electoral reform as likely focuses of his administration.[16] He stated that he came to office under "very sad and unusual circumstances."[17]On 18 May 2010, the National Assembly approved President Goodluck Jonathan's nomination of former Kaduna State governor, Namadi Sambo, an architect, for the position of Vice President.[18][19]
[edit] World Cup controversy
After the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, in which the Nigerian side failed to advance beyond group stage, Jonathan decreed a ban on international games for the football team. FIFA objected to the president's decision and threatened to evict Nigeria from the association. Subsequently Jonathan lifted the ban.[20][edit] References
- ^ a b Lawson Heyford, "Jonathan: A Colossus at 49", The Source (Lagos), 11 December 2006
- ^ "Nigeria's Goodluck Jonathan 'is acting president'". BBC News (BBC). February 25, 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8537718.stm. Retrieved February 25, 2010.
- ^ a b c http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2010/02/20102247327794647.html
- ^ "Profile: Goodluck Jonathan". BBC News. 6 May 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8510390.stm. Retrieved 6 May 2010.
- ^ "Money Laundering: I'm Not Involved, Says Bayelsa Governor". Thisday, via EFCCNigeria.org (Leaders & Company). 2006-09-12. http://www.efccnigeria.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1026&Itemid=2. Retrieved 2007-09-22.
- ^ "Profile: Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria's unlikely leader". BBC. February 22, 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8510390.stm. Retrieved February 22, 2010.
- ^ By Gilbert da Costa / Abuja Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010 (2010-02-13). "Is Goodluck Jonathan the Answer to Nigeria's Woes?". TIME. http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1964192,00.html. Retrieved 2010-07-05.
- ^ Tom Ashby, "Reclusive Yar'Adua wins ruling party ticket", Reuters (IOL), 17 December 2006.
- ^ "Attacks seek to derail Nigeria poll", Al Jazeera, 21 April 2007.
- ^ "Militants attack Nigerian VP's home", AFP (IOL), 16 May 2007.
- ^ "Nigeria's vice president declares assets worth $2.4 million", African Press Agency, 9 August 2007.
- ^ a b Lanre Adewole, "At last, Goodluck declares N295m assets", Nigerian Tribune, 9 August 2007.
- ^ Nigeria's VP takes over from ailing president, AFP, Ola Awoniyi, February 10, 2010
- ^ Nigeria's new president Good luck, Jonathan, The Economist, Feb 11th 2010
- ^ News Agency of Nigeria http://www.nanngronline.com/News/Pages/Jonathan,nowPresident,Commander-In-Chief.aspx
- ^ Adigun, Bashir (6 May 2010). "Goodluck Jonathan sworn in as Nigerian president". Associated Press. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hW8uWhgiqtcuunO2WIHnk8o2iw6gD9FH8CAO3. Retrieved 6 May 2010.[dead link]
- ^ "Nigeria swears in new president". Al-Jazeera. 6 May 2010. http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2010/05/20105681641917266.html. Retrieved 6 May 2010.
- ^ Punch Newspaper "NASS confirms Sambo as vice president" http://www.punchontheweb.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201005185541038
- ^ Liberty News "National Assembly confirms Sambo as Vice President" http://www.myondostate.com/myondostate/newssend.php?id=203
- ^ http://www.worldfootballinsider.com/Story.aspx?id=33505
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Diepreye Alamieyeseigha | ||
