Today In History: Acting President Goodluck Jonathan sacks powerful minister

The rise of former President Goodluck Jonathan to the presidency in 2010 is one that is sure to inspire a large number of political fanatics aspiring to grow in their political journey.

From being a mere educational inspector to a lecturer and an environment-protection officer before delving into the dirty world of Nigeria's politics, many believe his path to Aso Rock was less complicated than the other presidents, who obviously had to wean off competition from other political bigwigs nationwide.

Prior to his selection as running mate to Diepreye Alamieyeseigha on the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Congress (PDP), Jonathan was a mere novice whose lack of political steel often brought him criticisms.

He became the substantive governor after Alamieyeseigha was impeached by the Bayelsa State Assembly following charges of money laundering in the United Kingdom.

He served in the role till he became Vice President to late President Yar'Adua in 2007.

According to the reports, Vice President Jonathan took a low profile despite being the brain behind negotiations with major militants groups in the Niger Delta who were encouraged to lay down their weapons and stop fighting as part of the government's amnesty program.

He was named President on February 9, 2010, as President Yar' Adua, saddled with ill health made consecutive trips to Saudi Arabia.

His first act as President was a masterstroke. The dismissal of the powerful Justice Minister and Attorney General Michael Aondoakaa at the time on Wednesday, February 10, 2010, sent a strong signal to persons opposed to his presidency.

Reuters reports that Michael Aondoakaa had been among the group of ministers who held out most strenuously against formally transferring power to Jonathan during Yar’Adua’s absence of more than two months.

Michael Aondoakaa was powerful and was described as an unofficial prime minister by Antony Goldman, a Nigeria expert and head of London-based PM Consulting, Reuters was quoted.

President Jonathan dissolved his cabinet a month after assuming office given no explanation for his actions.

"Today, the acting president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, dissolved the Federal Executive Council (cabinet)," Information Minister Dora Akunyili told reporters after a cabinet meeting.

"He did not give us any reason, and so, I cannot give any reason," she said in a terse statement.