Wikileaks: US Ambassador Guided Jonathan to take the Reign in Nigeria
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American officials guided Goodluck Jonathan to take the reign of the presidency during Yar’Adua’s chaotic last days, diplomatic cables made public by WikiLeaks show.
American ambassador to Nigeria, Rene Sanders, instructed Goodluck Jonathan on how to get ride of former INEC Chairman, Mr. Maurice Iwu. Using the threat that the United States government would not support future elections if Iwu remained the INEC chairman, the ambassador suggested that Mr. Iwu be placed on terminal leave.
In the chaotic days, Jonathan was doing everything to appease the North. He stated to the Americans that the northern political leaders were uncomfortable with him as the man at the helms. Jonathan found comfort in the counsel of the former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar. Gen. Abubakar acted as his go-between with Northern leaders.
American ambassador warned Jonathan to give former President Olusegun Obasanjo distance. He told Jonathan that to be an effective leader, he must not be seen as being directed by former President Obasanjo. Jonathan promised to take steps to separate himself from Obasanjo.
On the case of Mohamed Ibrahim Ahmed, a Nigerian indicted on terrorism charges, the American ambassador asked Jonathan to hand him over to the FBI for onward extradition to America. The ambassador frowned at the attempt by the SSS to let the suspect onto an international flight despite an Interpol red notice. Jonathan promised to look into the incident and to terminate the appointment of SSS officers who attempted to free the man if found to be disobeying orders.
Jonathan also promised not to run for election. He assured the Americans that he would do a great job in twelve months with his legacy being a credible election in 2011.
Ambassador Sanders asked Jonathan to stop saying that the December 25 underwear bombing attempt by Abdulmutallab was an “one-off aberration.” He informed Jonathan that foreign terrorists were operating in Nigeria.
“I am not a politician,” said Jonathan to the American ambassador. He went on to promise the American that he would not allow anyone to manipulate him.
