Goodluck Jonathan

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Goodluck Jonathan

Incumbent
Assumed office 
May 29, 2007
President Umaru Yar'Adua
Preceded by Atiku Abubakar
Succeeded by incumbent

Born November 20, 1957
Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Political party People's Democratic Party
Spouse Patience
Seal of the Vice-President of Nigeria
Seal of the Vice-President of Nigeria

Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (born November 20, 1957 in Otueke in Ogbia Local Government Area of the then Rivers, now Bayelsa State)[1] is a Nigerian politician and current Vice President of Nigeria. He was governor of Bayelsa State between 9 December 2005 and 28 May 2007, and was sworn in as Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 29 May 2007. Jonathan is a member of the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP).

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[edit] Education and personal life

Jonathan holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Honours in Zoology with a Second class (HONS) Upper division, an M.Sc. in Hydrobiology/Fisheries biology, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Zoology from the University of Port Harcourt.

He is married, and his wife's name is Patience.[2]

[edit] Bayelsa State governorship

Jonathan, previously the deputy governor of Bayelsa State, replaced Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who was impeached by the Bayelsa State Assembly after being charged with money laundering in the United Kingdom. In September 2006, his wife was indicted by the Nation's anti-crime agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for money laundering related offences.

[edit] Presidential race

In December 2006, Jonathan was selected as running mate to Umaru Yar'Adua for the ruling PDP presidential ticket in the April 2007 elections.[3] On April 20, shortly before the presidential election, a militant attack in Bayelsa State occurred that was described by police as an assassination attempt against Jonathan.[4]

[edit] Vice Presidency

Following the PDP's (disputed) electoral victory, militants blew up Jonathan's country house in Otu-Eke, Bayelsa State on May 16, and two policemen were killed in the attack. Jonathan was not present at the time.[5]

After taking office, Yar'Adua publicly declared his assets, and on August 8, 2007, Jonathan also did so.[6][7] According to Jonathan, as of May 30, 2007 he has a total of 295,304,420 naira in assets.[7]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Lawson Heyford, "Jonathan: A Colossus at 49", The Source (Lagos), December 11, 2006
  2. ^ "Money Laundering: I’m Not Involved, Says Bayelsa Governor", Thisday, via EFCCNigeria.org, Leaders & Company, 2006-09-12. Retrieved on 2007-09-22. 
  3. ^ Tom Ashby, "Reclusive Yar'Adua wins ruling party ticket", Reuters, December 17, 2006.
  4. ^ "Attacks seek to derail Nigeria poll", Al Jazeera, April 21, 2007.
  5. ^ "Militants attack Nigerian VP's home", AFP (IOL), May 16, 2007.
  6. ^ "Nigeria’s vice president declares assets worth $2.4 million", African Press Agency, August 9, 2007.
  7. ^ a b Lanre Adewole, "At last, Goodluck declares N295m assets", Nigerian Tribune, August 9, 2007.
Preceded by
Atiku Abubakar
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Vice Presidential Nominee
2007 (won)
Succeeded by
Incumbent
Preceded by
Atiku Abubakar
Vice President of Nigeria
May 29, 2007 - present
Succeeded by
Incumbent
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