The Presidency last night rose in defence of President Goodluck Jonathan for not speaking at the memorial service in honour of the former South African leader, Nelson Mandela in South Africa.
The President had come under serious condemnation by critics in the social media, who wondered why he went to Johannesburg in the first place without rendering an oration in honour of Madiba as other world leaders did.
But Presidential Spokesman, Dr Reuben Abating, dismissed the attacks on the President as a classic case of much ado about nothing, as Jonathan was not billed to speak at the ceremony in the first place.
According to Abati, only six out of the 100 world leaders at the event, were slated to speak and Jonathan was not one of those chosen to render any speech.
“The late Madiba’s burial is not a United Nations Debating session. It is what it is a burial: a solemn, national ceremony,” Abati said.
” Leaders from all over the world attended the Memorial Service to pay their last respects and to identify with South Africans in their hour of grief. It was certainly not meant to be an occasion for political grandstanding or the waving of flags.
“Out of about 100 world leaders who attended the event today, only six spoke at the ceremony. It was made clear at the occasion that the Chairman of the AU Commission, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will speak on behalf of African leaders. And she did.
“I do not agree that Nigeria was insulted in any way. It was good that President Jonathan attended the Memorial service and that Nigeria is in solidarity with the South Africans.
“If every leader who attended the service had been asked to say a word, the event would not have ended. There were many other leaders at the event, whose countries have strong historical and political ties with South Africa, but who did not speak.
“I have not heard their compatriots crying like babies. This is obviously a further indication of a rising, minority tendency to read the negative into every official item,”Abati said.
Nigeria problems lies not only on the rulers, the oppositions & the critics are also liable. They critizised logically or illogically any moves in government whether its of benefit to an average Nigerian or not. What do we stand to gain in Goodluck addressing world at Mandela burial. We ve got numerous problems at home to attend to. Please lets get our priority right!!!!!
ReplyDelete............................Tquality
I agree with Dr Reuben Abati....the man wont even have anything to say if they ask to speak or rather they are tired of hearing "Nigeria would overcome is security, etc problems"
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Abati, it was not an occasion for political grandstanding or the waving of flags.
ReplyDeleteMary
Abati! Abati! Abati!!!! na so money dey turn person? you wey we know for Patitos gang?
ReplyDeleteThank you Reuben for lecturing the idiot-critics.It is so sad to see how Nigerians reason all in the name of opposition to GEJ led government.The event was simply a funeral service. it was not a conference of nations. I really cannot understand why people will criticize or blame Jonathan for not speaking at the memorial service. opposition does not mean people should think with their ass.Let those opposing the government use their mind. I'm an unemployed youth, I went back to school for Masters only to kept at home by ASUU strike. Jonathan's administration has not paid me but that does not mean that I will criticize him for every thing he does. Nigerian's should seperate their political opposition and criticism from Mandela's funeral and let the great Icon rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteThis is cock and bull reason. Nigeria used all her oil resources in the 70s and 80s to fight apartheid regime in South Africa which Mandela stood for. How many South Africans were on Nigeria scholarship in our secondary schools and universities - countless. When Mandela was released he came to Nigeria first to collect money from IBB for his elections. All those so called world leaders now called him a terrorist till late
ReplyDeleteNigeria was given a diplomatic slap on the face. We ought to make a speech no matter how small There is no way Obj will be there and not make a speech. We need to re examine our relationship with some of these our so called African countries that we play Big Brother role for. Please GEJ should not bother to go for the burial even if invited
I don't think u know what u are saying. U simply have a very myopic view.
DeleteGiant of Africa has turn to be ant of Africa.
ReplyDeletejona is only important in pdp where coruption is encoraged.who will allow such a man 2 speak at a place like dis.abati just keep quiet and resign.i thout jornalist are sincere,but your case is diff.
ReplyDeleteThis is a blatant lie! Abati. Giving the enormous contribution of Nigeria to the liberation of South Africa, Nigeria was supposed to speak. We are also a strong force in Africa both politically and economically. Nigeria could not speak because Jonathan who represent her does not have the moral justification to speak in the funneral of a greatman as Madiba.
ReplyDeleteI wonder o. Nigerians shld let d govt be.
ReplyDeleteNigeria went to S.A with hw many delegates ? And Israel's p.m can't attend bcos it's expensive for him to do so. We contributed immensely to d fight of apartheid regime in S.A and being most populous black nation in Africa , if they reckon with GEJ speaking at Madiba's burial won't be a big deal.
ReplyDeleteNo wahala my people
ReplyDeleteAll dis problem is caused by opposition.
ReplyDeleteSince there is someone representing Africa countries, then there is no need of Jonathan's speech.
ReplyDeleteAbati u are a fool for ur use of language but u call urself a journalist and u are insulting ur country saying their crying like babies because of the 'awuf' u are eating, Mumu Muntula.
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