Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan

(via Vanguard) – Goodluck Jonathan, Monday, expressed regret that the issues that surrounded the illness and death of his former boss, late President Umaru Yar’Adua, belittled the administration’s achievements to mere footnotes in the history of the country.

Jonathan spoke when late Yar’Adua’s former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, presented him a copy of his book, “Power, Politics and Death”, at the State House yesterday.

He said rather than their achievements, Yar’Adua’s death then became the main issue.

The book, which is likely to throw up more controversies as others who witnessed the events would want to write theirs, is Adeniyi’s account of what transpired, especially behind the scene, during the Yar’Adua/Jonathan presidency.

Jonathan said the issue of his former boss’ death ought not to have been treated that way because all human are mortals. He stressed that the contributions of individuals while alive, even if they were for one day, a week, a year or decade, were more critical than their death.

Commending Adeniyi for documenting the events of the last administration, the President, however, expressed the belief that the book would end up generating follow-up books from the key actors in the administration.

He said: “I believe this book will attract a lot of interest. I believe journalists will want to read it quickly. It reminds me of the Civil War accounts. The first account that came out was My command, written by Obasanjo. The second came out and Ojukwu then published his account— Because I was involved.

“I know that when people read this book, maybe some of the key actors will also come out with their accounts because they were involved.”

Jonathan observed that the title of the book itself was attractive and capable of attracting people with critical minds. He encouraged Adeniyi to do more.

Earlier, Mr. Adeniyi disclosed that he decided to write the book because the narrative of Yar’Adua’s administration had been reduced to his illness and death.

He said: ”I believe that there is more to Yar’Adua’s presidency of which you (Jonathan) were an integral part than in his illness and death.

“There were a couple of things that were done and I feel I should document them. I don’t believe the accounts of his illness and death has been accurate because of the politics involved.

“I decided to put the record straight as somebody who witnessed some of the drama.”

Adeniyi said he decided to bring a copy of the book to the President ahead of the today’s public presentation as a mark of honour.