Allegations of massive corruption under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan may have caused him the prestigious Mo Ibrahim Prize. The Mo Ibrahim Prize is the largest annually awarded prize in the world. It was instituted in 2006 by Sudanese telecoms entrepreneur, Mo Ibrahim and rewards former African leaders who demonstrated sterling qualities while in office, served their constitutionally mandated term and demonstrated exceptional leadership.
The Prize committee Chairman, Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim yesterday announced that no former African leader met the requirements for the 2015 version of the yearly award.The decision was made in a meeting of the independent Prize Committee.
Although, Jonathan looked like he met the Prize criteria which includes former African Executive Head of State or Government, left office in the last three years, democratically elected, served his or her constitutionally mandated term, demonstrated exceptional leadership, it is surprising that he wasn’t given.
The Prize winner gets $5m over 10 years and another $200,000 yearly for life and can also request another $200,000 for good causes he or she supports.
Only the former presidents of Mozambique, Joaquim Chissano, Botswana’s Festus Mogae, Namibia’s Hifikepunye Pohamba, and Pedro Piers of Cape Verde have won the prize.
Late former South African President Nelson Mandela received an honorary award in 2007.
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