Jonathan At 57: Top 4 Things The President Said That Got Nigerians Talking

President Jonathan, his wife and well-wishers on his birthday

        The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is a year older today, 20th November, 2014.

Earlier in the day, Jonathan who turned 57 was joined by friends, presidential aids, and other well-wishers in the cutting of his birthday cake.

Today being Mr. President’s birthday, we decided to take a look at some of the things he has said in the course of the year, that got Nigerians talking.

1. Stealing Public fund is not corruption

Speaking on corruption during his 7th media chat on May 2014, Jonathan said:

“Over 70% of what are called corruption (cases), even by EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) and other anti-corruption agencies, is not corruption, but common stealing.

Trying to explain the difference between corruption and stealing, he said: “People have been confusing corruption with stealing. If public officers steal money they term it under corruption….”

2. Niger Delta militants are not terrorists

Speaking about the differences between the Boko Haram Islamic sect and Niger Delta militants, the President said: “The Niger Delta militants are not terrorists, they have a reason for their agitations.”

3. America will know:

While addressing the issue of ‘missing’ $20 billion he said:

“If Sanusi hadn’t been suspended he would have come up with a different figure… If anyone steals $50 billion or $20 billion anywhere America will know, they will tell you where it is; it is their money.”

4. Where is Gwoza sef:

Jonathan held a top secret meeting with an exiled Emir of Gwoza, a town in Borno that was captured by the dreaded Boko Haram sect.

Presidency sources had disclosed that the room was enveloped in silence after the President, apparently lacking basic research or a briefing by his numerous aides and security agencies, asked in condescending pidgin, “Where’s Gwoza sef?”