Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, on Thursday, extolled his former Chief of Staff, Chief Mike Aiyegbeni Oghiadomhe, noting that many Nigerian politicians are not dependable saying, “I have witnessed a lot of betrayals, especially during my 2015 elections.”

Jonathan spoke at the 70th birthday anniversary celebration of Chief Mike Aiyegbeni Oghiadomhe in Benin on Thursday.

The former president extolled Chief Oghiadomhe, saying he was one of his most dependable friends whose loyalty is uncommon.

According to Jonathan, Oghiadomhe is one of the few friends I have, who can give out their neck for me.Jonathan said that politics in the Nigerian standard is about betrayals, adding that the likes of Oghiadomhe are uncommon.

Jonathan said, “You’ll find it difficult to see somebody who will say the same thing in the morningand say the same thing in the afternoon and in the evening.
I have witnessed a lot of betrayals, especially during my 2015 elections.

“And Mike is somebody who I have as one of my brothers and friends, but Mike is one person who will take a bullet on my behalf.So, for an occasion like this, I don’t know how to commend him.For me, he is somebody that you can take his words to the bank.
“Most politicians, you can not take their words to the bank.

“They will tell you something this minute and the next one hour, they’ll say another.The next one hour they’ll say another thing. I am quite pleased to associate with you.”Jonathan said.

Chief Mike Aiyegbeni Oghiadomhe, who clocked 70 today, was born on 4 September 1955 and served as a presidential Chief of Staff from 2010 to 2014.

Oghiadomhe who joined the Septuagenarian club was Deputy Governor of Edo State from 1999 to 2007, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Vice President 2007 to 2008 and Principal Private Secretary to the Vice- president (2008-2010).

Oghiadomhe is a long-standing member of the board of trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He has been honoured severally by governments and organizations for his numerous contributions to good governance, policy making, and service to Edo State and Nigeria.

Dignitaries at the event include Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Chief Medical Director (CMD), UBTH, Prof (Mrs) Izia Ize-Iyamu, Ex-Governor Lucky Igbinedion, Ex-Governor Oserheimen OsunborEx-Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo

Other dignitaries are the PDP governorship candidate in the September 2024 election and his deputy, Asue Ighodalo, and Osarodion Ogie, Edo State Deputy governor, Dennis Idahosa, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Blessing Agbebaku,Edo State Chief Judge, Hon Justice Daniel Okugbowa, Ex-deputy of Edo State, Mike Obadan, Chief Tom Ikimi, Ugochukwu Okeke, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN).