FORMER president Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has advised one of his predecessors Dr Goodluck Jonathan to use the new foundation he is establishing as an opportunity to make up for the mistakes he made while in office.  

Dr Jonathan was president between 2000 and 2015 but under his watch, corruption blossomed as several government officials looted the treasury with impunity. Despite oil prices rising to a record high of $140 a barrel under Dr Jonathan, infrastructural development remained limited. 

In May this year, President Muhammadu Buhari defeated Dr Jonathan in presidential elections campaigning on a platform to end corruption and bring sanity back to public finances. Since leaving office, Dr Jonathan has maintained a low profile and now intends to launch a foundation to provide funds for charitable causes.

 Yesterday, Chief Obasanjo wrote to Dr Jonathan him to use the new foundation to engage in soul-searching and in reviewing his past actions. In the letter, dated October 12, 2015, Chief Obasanjo also advised Dr Jonathan to consider the foundation as a platform through which he can heal his conscience and demonstrate penitence over his past actions. 

Chief Obasanjo wrote the letter in response to an earlier letter written to him by Dr Jonathan on September 22, informing him of his plans to set up a foundation through which he would continue to service humanity. Dr Jonathan said he intends to set up The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, as part of a plan to make the world a better place. 

In December 2013, Chief Obasanjo wrote to then President Jonathan accusing him of lying, destroying Nigeria and promoting corruption. Following the letter, both men fell out very publicly and it appears that Chief Obasanjo remains of the opinion that Dr Jonathan should atone for his actions. 

In his response to the letter, Chief Obasanjo wrote: “I have to commend you and your foundation, the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, for the faith you continue to have in Nigeria. Maybe seeking how to be better and more serviceable to the nation and humanity is also a form of penitence and soul-searching to give conscience a relief and to show remorse.” 

 He accused Dr Jonathan of failing to deliver on his promises to the Nigerian people, stem corruption, promote national unity and strengthen national security. Both leaders never reconciled with Chief Obasanjo backing President Buhari in the last presidential elections.