Jonathan falls short of $5m Mo Ibrahim Prize

ABUJA—Former President
Goodluck Jonathan has failed to win the prestigious $5 million Mo
Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership despite meeting a
key criterion
.

The announcement was made  on Thursday  that no former African leader
met the requirements for the 2015 version of the yearly award following a
 meeting of the independent Prize Committee chaired by Dr. Salim Ahmed
Salim.
Former President Goodluck JonathanFormer President Goodluck Jonathan

The prize, largest annually awarded prize in the world, which was
instituted in 2006 by Sudanese telecoms entrepreneur, Mo Ibrahim,
rewards former African leaders who demonstrated sterling qualities while
 in office, served their constitutionally mandated term; and
demonstrated exceptional leadership.

“The Prize recognises and celebrates African executive leaders who,
under challenging circumstances, have developed their countries and
strengthened democracy and human rights for the shared benefit of their
people, paving the way for sustainable and equitable prosperity.” It
said.

The award is also “a standard for excellence in leadership in Africa,
and not a ‘first prize’, there is not necessarily a Laureate every
year,” the foundation said.

A winner enjoys $5m over 10 years and another $200,000 yearly for life
and can also ask for another $200,000 for good causes he or she
supports.

So far, only the former presidents of Mozambique, Joaquim Chissano;
Botswana’s Festus Mogae; Namibia’s Hifikepunye Pohamba; and Pedro Piers
of Cape Verde have clinched the award.

Ex-South African President Nelson Mandela was awarded an honorary prize
in 2007.

Although, Jonathan seems to have 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 unclear why he wasn’t given.

Allegations of massive corruption under his administration presently
being investigated and prosecuted by the EFCC  may have cost Jonathan
the prize