Timi Frank apologises for working against Jonathan in 2015, calls for intervention in PDP crisis

The Bayelsa-born political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Timi Frank has tendered apology to the former President Goodluck Jonathan for working against him in 2015.

His apology is coming 7 years after Jonathan left office having been defeated by President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a presidential election in 2015.

In a statement he issued on Sunday which was made available to journalists, Timi Frank said, it was obvious to Nigerians and the clique that worked against the return of Jonathan that the ex-President was far better than President Muhammadu Buhari, given the high rate of economic and social woes confronting the nation.

The activist said: “I want to use this opportunity once more, to apologise to you for the wrong position we took in 2015.

“We are sorry, we now know better. Nigerians are faced with so many economic woes and insecurity since 2015.

“I’d like to use this opportunity to implore you to find a place to forgive me personally and the entire country in general.

On crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Frank urged ex-President Goodluck Jonathan to intervene, saying that he cannot shy away from the party as a state man he is.

“The only way to show that forgiveness is by playing a role to finding a lasting solution to the challenges confronting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the moment.

“This is coming against the background that you are seen as a father and a leader to the entire good people of Nigeria.

“Don’t look away when your house is burning. I recognise your statesmanship status and so many Nigerians support that position.

“However, as a father to the entire PDP family, on whose platform you had governed this country and the country which you left about seven years ago has come to be known as the poverty capital of the world.

“I employ you in the spirit of peace and the love of country to intervene and bring the warring factions together to ensure we coast to victory in order to salvage the country come next year.

“Kindly do all that is possible to make PDP return to power to enable us continue with the trajectory of good governance. PDP is the only party that can rescue and unify the country.

“You are a symbol of peace in Africa, let the role being continuously played by you in Africa reflect in Nigeria.

“Nigerians and I have made mistakes and we acknowledge the mistakes. Therefore, we plead with you to find a place in your heart to forgive and forget as life is not devoid of mistakes.

“Our great leader, the symbol of peace in Nigeria in particular and Africa in general, find a place to forgive us all as you celebrate your birthday today.

“Once more, a very big congratulations to you and the entire family. We pray the good Lord will continue to bless and strengthen you in all you do in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

While congratulating Jonathan on his 65th birthday, he pleaded with him to continue to play his role of mediation for the love of country.

He urged the former President to do all in his power to make PDP return to power in 2023 “to enable us continue with the trajectory of good governance.”

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, described Jonathan as a visionary leader whose guidance and direction are truly inspirational and of tremendous blessing to all.

He insisted that it has become imperative for Jonathan to urgently broker peace between the Presidential Candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and the warring G-5 Governors led by Nyesom Wike, in order to stabilise the party and brighten its chances of winning the 2023 general elections.