Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has urged members of the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government in Nigeria to uphold the principles of good governance and avoid actions that could tarnish the country’s image. He emphasized that Nigeria’s reputation in the global community and its ability to attract investment depend largely on the decisions and policies implemented by its leaders.
symfoni News reports that Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan made these remarks on Saturday while speaking in Abuja as the Chairman of the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium, an event focused on promoting social change and empowerment through diversity, equity, and inclusion. He stressed the importance of responsible leadership and the need for public officeholders to make decisions that benefit the country in the long run.
Addressing the political situation in Rivers State, Dr. Jonathan acknowledged that many people had reached out to him for comments on the unfolding developments in the region. However, he noted that it was not customary for former presidents to publicly criticize the policies or actions of their successors, as doing so could further inflame tensions and destabilize the political landscape.
Using a proverb to illustrate his point, Dr. Jonathan stated: “Of course, what is happening in Nigeria today regarding the situation in Rivers State is like an Indian proverb which says that if somebody is really sleeping, you can easily wake up that person, but if someone is pretending to sleep, it will be difficult to wake the person up.”
He explained that key political actors in Nigeria are fully aware of the right course of action but have chosen to ignore it. “They are pretending to sleep, and waking up such a person is extremely difficult,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for leaders to take responsibility and act in the country’s best interest.
Dr. Jonathan further highlighted the significance of fostering a society where no one is oppressed, arguing that true leadership lies in embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion as tools for social transformation. He called on the three arms of government to remain committed to ethical governance, warning that the decisions made at all levels of leadership have a direct impact on the lives of Nigerians.
“Whatever happens in a country, the decisions taken by the executive arm of government, the parliament, and the judiciary affect everybody. Whatever we do affects everybody, and if we must build a nation for our children and grandchildren, no matter how painful it is, we must try to do what is right,” he stated.
Speaking on the theme of the colloquium, Dr. Jonathan stressed that good governance thrives on inclusion and fairness. He shared his experiences as a leader, noting that policies promoting diversity and equity during his tenure contributed to national unity and social cohesion.
“I believe that it is a mark of good leadership and governance to be able to leverage the transformative power of diversity, equity, and inclusion for social change. As a leader, I have seen how these values can bring people together, foster a sense of belonging, and unlock the full potential of individuals and communities,” he said.
The former president also warned of the dangers of neglecting these values, stating that societies that fail to embrace diversity and inclusion often face division, inequality, and unrest. He urged Nigerian leaders to prioritize these principles in governance to build a more innovative, resilient, and peaceful nation.
“We must not forget that societies that embrace DEI are more innovative, resilient, and harmonious. I know this because I saw how policies that promoted gender equality, youth empowerment, and regional balance during my time as President helped bridge divides and foster national unity,” he said.
