Presidential aide blocked Yar’Adua’s letter to transfer power – Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has revealed that during the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s prolonged illness, a key presidential aide refused to submit a letter meant to transfer presidential powers to him.

Speaking in an interview, Jonathan said Yar’Adua, aware of his deteriorating health, wrote a letter to the National Assembly to formally empower Jonathan as acting president, in line with constitutional requirements. However, the aide tasked with delivering the letter refused to do so.

Jonathan explained that while he continued performing duties such as chairing the executive council and approving memos, he lacked formal authority as commander-in-chief, leaving the country vulnerable. He noted that Nigeria’s delicate political balance between North and South, and between Muslims and Christians, further complicated the crisis.

Ultimately, the National Assembly invoked the doctrine of necessity to empower Jonathan to act as president, averting a constitutional crisis and potential coup.