By DAYO ADESULU
Former President Goodluck Jonathan Speaks on Rivers State Political Crisis
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has addressed the ongoing Rivers State political crisis, following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state House of Assembly. However, Jonathan carefully avoided making any direct comments on the situation, emphasizing the importance of former leaders maintaining neutrality to prevent political instability.
Goodluck Jonathan made his remarks at a colloquium organized by the Haske Satumari Foundation in Abuja, where he stressed the need for ethical governance, leadership accountability, and social inclusion in Nigeria.
Goodluck Jonathan’s Position on the Rivers State Crisis
The former president acknowledged that many individuals and groups had reached out to him for his views on the political crisis in Rivers State. However, he maintained that it is not customary for past leaders to publicly criticize or analyze the actions of their successors.
“As a leader from the Niger Delta, people have been reaching out to me for my comment on the political situation in Rivers State,” Jonathan stated.
Rather than providing a direct answer, Jonathan used a metaphor to illustrate his stance:
“The situation in Rivers State is like an Indian proverb which says that if somebody is really sleeping, you can easily wake him up, but if the person is pretending to sleep, it will be difficult to wake such a person up.”
This statement left room for interpretation but signaled his reluctance to engage directly in the controversy surrounding President Tinubu’s decision to suspend the state’s top officials and impose emergency governance measures.
- State of Emergency in Rivers State: Rising Political Tensions and Calls for Fairness
- https://www.thecheernews.com/atiku-obi-el-rufai-others-form-coalition-to-challenge-tinubu-in-2027/
Why Goodluck Jonathan Remained Neutral
Goodluck Jonathan explained that former presidents should avoid making public statements on the policies of their successors to prevent heating up the polity and creating further division. He urged Nigerians to focus on strengthening democracy, governance, and leadership ethics.
Call for Ethical Leadership in Nigeria
During his speech, Jonathan urged leaders across all arms of government—executive, legislative, and judiciary—to uphold integrity in their decision-making processes. He warned against compromising institutions for personal or political gain, emphasizing that governance should always prioritize national unity, democracy, and good governance.
“Whatever happens in a country, the decisions taken by the executive arm of government, the parliament, and the judiciary affect everybody. 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.”
Jonathan stressed that Nigeria’s global reputation and ability to attract foreign investments depend on the actions of its leaders in promoting political stability and accountability.
Jonathan Advocates for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The former president emphasized that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are crucial for national unity and economic development. He pointed out that societies embracing these values tend to be more resilient, harmonious, and prosperous.
“It is the hallmark of good leadership and governance to be able to leverage the transformative power of diversity, equity, and inclusion for social change.”
Jonathan recalled how his administration promoted gender equality, youth empowerment, and regional balance, policies that helped bridge divides and foster national cohesion.
Key Takeaways from Goodluck Jonathan’s Speech
- He avoided making direct comments on the Rivers State political crisis but used a proverb to express his viewpoint.
- He reiterated that former presidents should not publicly criticize the policies of their successors.
- He called for leadership integrity and ethical governance in Nigeria.
- He urged leaders to prioritize national unity, justice, and accountability.
- He emphasized the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in governance.
- He warned that Nigeria’s reputation and ability to attract investment depend on the ethical actions of its leaders.
Conclusion
While Goodluck Jonathan refrained from making any direct comments on the Rivers State emergency, his speech served as a reminder that leadership should be anchored on integrity, accountability, and national unity. As Nigeria navigates political challenges, his message remains clear: leaders must act with wisdom, fairness, and a commitment to democracy.
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