“Bring Back Our Goodluck” North-East group planned to stage a one-million-man march to the former president Goodluck Jonathan’s country home in Bayelsa to prevail on him to contest the 2027 presidential election after their tour of the whole regions in Nigeria.

The National Chairman of the group, Grema Kyari stated this in Maiduguri when hundreds of youths gathered to strategise on the return of Goodluck Jonathan to presidential villa in 2027.

The group tendered an unreserved apology to former President Goodluck Jonathan over what they described as a damaging narrative of sponsoring Boko Haram terrorists used in removing him from office in 2015.

They said that they now believed that the former President was removed from office in 2015 as a result of “regime change” orchestrated by foreign powers, especially the Democrats-Obama/Biden US administration of 2014 in connivance with some desperate politicians in Nigeria.

“We are gathered here today at a time when our beloved country stands at a decisive crossroads.

The Nigeria of today is struggling under the weight of economic hardship, rising insecurity, and deepening divisions.

Citizens are losing trust in the very institutions meant to protect and serve them.

“I come before you not only as the National Chairman of ‘Bring Back Our Goodluck’ but as a witness to history and as a Nigerian who, like millions of others, was once misled. I am from Borno State, one of the epicenters of the Boko Haram insurgency.

“During the presidency of Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, a damaging narrative was widely spread in our communities that he sponsored Boko Haram and used the military to suppress us.

These lies thrived in an environment of limited restricted access to truth. But today, with broader exposure and clear understanding, I know those accusations were false.”

• by Ohibaba.com

The funeral procession

Governor Peter Mbah made a speech

Peter Obi , other dignitaries with Chukwu’s family

Image credit: Peter Obi / X

A 10- days night of tributes in Lagos and Enugu for the former Super Eagles captain and head coach -Christian Chukwu, ended today with his burial at his country home, Obe, in the Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Chukwu, popularly called “Chairman”, died on April 12, at the age of 74.

Dignitaries at the burial were former Labour Party presidential candidate Mr Peter Obi., President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, represented by the Chairman of the Nigeria National League, Mr George Aluo, and Senator representing Anambra Central, Sen. Victor Umeh.

Others are members of the Enugu Executive Council, the retired Anglican Archbishop of the Enugu Diocese, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, ex-Rangers players, the former Chairman of the Enugu Sports Club, Chief Nnanna Atuonwu, and others.

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State said at the event: “For me, and I believe for so many as well, it is difficult for you to have met Chairman without being inspired by his simplicity and humility.

“Without a doubt, he was disciplined, dignified, polite, and empathetic,” Mbah said.

Consoling the family, Governor Mbah said, “As a government, we will always stand by you and ensure that Chukwu is immortalised, for indeed he served and loved Enugu and Nigeria with all his heart.

Let us be comforted by the remarkable memory and legacies he left behind,” he added.

Earlier in his homily, the Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Rt Rev. Samuel Ike, extolled Chukwu’s exploits, contributions and development to football in Nigeria and Africa.

He described him as a “strong man” that led his team on a journey and fought and won several battles, as well as a committed family man that loved his family and relations.

“Chukwu has won battles with Rangers, Super Eagles and others. The Lord has been gracious unto him through several battles; he was an all-rounded man, very generous, and his generosity extended to the family of St Philip’s Church, Obe,” Ike said.

In response on behalf of the family, Mr Chukwuemeka Chukwu Jr thanked the guests for honouring and paying their last respects to his father.

Chukwu was born in Enugu and is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s greatest defenders of all time.Chukwu, revered for his leadership and defensive mastery, captained both Enugu Rangers and the Nigerian national team, leading the country to its first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980.