Jonathan’s Legacy Needs No Embellishment, Yuguda Fires At Atiku

According to Ireporter Online, former Minister of National Planning and Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda, has defended the leadership record of former President Goodluck Jonathan, stating that his administration was guided by honour, experience, and clear vision. Yuguda made the remarks while reacting to criticisms from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who had questioned Jonathan’s leadership capacity and described his administration as unsuccessful due to alleged inexperience.

Yuguda dismissed Atiku’s comments as inaccurate and inconsistent with historical facts, insisting that Jonathan’s tenure reflected meaningful democratic leadership, economic reforms, and responsible statesmanship that should not be undermined by what he termed revisionist narratives. He further noted that Jonathan’s extensive political background—including his roles as Deputy Governor, Governor, Vice President, and Acting President—provided him with substantial governance experience before assuming full presidential authority.

He argued that during Jonathan’s administration, Nigeria recorded significant economic growth, including attaining the position of Africa’s largest economy at the time, alongside increased investor confidence and relative macroeconomic stability. He also highlighted reductions in poverty levels and credited the government with key infrastructure developments, including the revival of rail transport routes and the rehabilitation of neglected rail lines across the country.

Yuguda further pointed to reforms in the education sector, noting the establishment of multiple federal universities and Almajiri education initiatives aimed at improving access to learning, particularly in northern Nigeria. He described these achievements as the result of deliberate policy execution rather than coincidence.

Speaking on Jonathan’s leadership style, Yuguda praised his calm temperament and preference for restraint, noting that he often discouraged confrontational responses from aides even in the face of criticism. He also referenced Jonathan’s loyalty to former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua during his administration and his continued engagement with successors, including consultative visits to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Yuguda emphasized that Jonathan’s most defining legacy remains his commitment to democratic principles, particularly his decision to concede defeat in the 2015 elections despite security challenges, which he said strengthened Nigeria’s democratic culture. He added that Jonathan’s post-presidency conduct has remained measured and statesmanlike, earning him roles in peace missions and election observation efforts across Africa and beyond.

He concluded that Jonathan’s record is well documented and self-evident, arguing that his contributions require no embellishment and cannot be diminished by political revisionism.