“I am Not in Exile… I am Resting” – Jonathan tells THISDAY

Former President Goodluck Jonathan who THISDAY said has gone into exile in Cote d’Ivoire “following reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) may arrest him on his arrival in Nigeria from his overseas tour on allegations of corruption and misappropriation of billions of dollars in the five years during which he was Head of State,” has called to rebut the claim.

Jonathan spoke to THISDAY‘s correspondent on phone, confirming that he was actually in Cote d’Ivoire, but not in exile.

According to the report, when the former president was reminded that THISDAY had tried to reach him several times last week to verify allegations that he was in exile, he said: “So what… I am not in exile. I am here resting”.

“Yes I am in Cote d’Ivoire, I have been here for a week resting and this is my second trip to the country since I stepped down as president.

I have made sacrifices for Nigeria. I am praised all over Africa for averting bloodshed and for the peaceful transition from one government to another, but it seems Nigeria does not appreciate my efforts.

I have done my best for this country and if I have to die for it, I will do so. However, I am taking it easy here (Cote d’Ivoire) and when I am ready, I will come back,” Jonathan said.

This is coming after Reno Omokri who is a former media aide to Jonathan debunked the reports in a series of tweets yesterday.

1-I’m in touch with former President @GEJonathan and I have spoken to Nduka Obaigbena. The story on GEJ exile is false #GEJISNOTONEXILE

— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) May 23, 2016

2-@GEJonathan has absolutely no reason to even contemplate exile. He is proud of his meritorious service to Nigeria #GEJISNOTONEXILE

— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) May 23, 2016

3-Furthermore, @GEJonathan is a man of peace whose future isn’t worth the blood of any Nigerian. He has no link to violence #GEJISNOTONEXILE

— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) May 23, 2016

4-@GEJonathan assures Nigerians that he’s been on a multi city speaking tour & WILL RETURN to Nigeria afterward as planned. #GEJISNOTONEXILE

— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) May 23, 2016