Breaking News: Jonathan’s Aide, Oronto Douglas Is Dead

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Thursday, April 9th, 2015

The Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Research, Documentation and Strategy, Mr Oronto Douglas, is dead.

Douglas, 49, a presidency source said, passed on at the State House clinic at 4:58 a.m Thursday.

Oronto Douglas, who passed away after a protracted battle with cancer, was President Jonathan’s personal aide for close to a decade.

Born 1966, Douglas is regularly described as one of Mr. Jonathan’s most brilliant and influential aides, documenting the President’s achievements and legacies, and helping coordinate parallel media and campaign strategies for the presidency.

“He was one of those who had the most far-reaching influence on President Jonathan,” a presidential aide said.

Oronto Douglas was a leading human rights attorney in Nigeria, and served as one of the lawyers on the defense team for the Ogoni leader Ken Saro Wiwa, who was executed by Nigeria’s military rulers in 1995.

He was the first Niger Delta activist to be hosted by a serving American President where he presented the Niger-Delta struggle at the White House to President Bill Clinton. Douglas was a fellow of both the George Bell Institute (England) and the International Forum on Globalization (USA).

Jonathan Mourns

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan says he is deeply saddened by the death of his Special Adviser on Research, Documentation and Strategy, Mr. Oronto Douglas.

President Jonathan extended his heartfelt condolences to the Douglas family and the government and people of Bayelsa State on the death of one of their most distinguished sons whom he said served his country, state and the Niger Delta region, passionately and diligently, during his very impactful years on earth.

The President believed that Oronto would remain a shining and worthy example for every young Nigerian who seeks a life of service and achievement.