Jonathan Blames Weak Governance, Judiciary For Nigeria’s Challenges

• Says suspension of Fubara, lawmakers dents Nigeria’s image

BY EDMOND ODOK – Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan says a compromised judiciary and poor governance structure will continue to deter investment and diminish Nigeria’s global reputation.

This is as he maintained that the happenings in Rivers State where Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and other elected officials are suspended have further dented Nigeria’s image to the outside world.

Speaking at the Haske Satumari Foundation’s annual colloquium in Abuja, which focused on promoting social development through diversity, equity, and inclusion, Jonathan said actions taken by key political actors have far-reaching implications for the country’s future.

He explained that decisions made by the executive, legislature, and judiciary shape how Nigeria is perceived internationally, warning that; “No serious investor will bring their money into a country where the judiciary is compromised—where government officials can dictate court judgments”.

The former President expressed concerns over the abuse of power across all branches of government, stressing that governance decisions have far-reaching consequences on the country’s socio-economic and political life.

“I always remind people that the actions of those in power affect everyone. Sometimes, people act as if their decisions have no personal consequences. But no one wants to invest in an environment where their financial assets are at risk,” he said.

Arguing that Nigeria’s poor global perception is also linked to failures in governance, instead of the so-called criminal activities such as cyber fraud, Jonathan said; “Many assume our poor reputation is only due to fraudsters like ‘Yahoo boys’ or the 419 scam. While such activities play a role, they are not the only factor.

“If we truly want to build a nation where our children and grandchildren can thrive, we must be willing to make sacrifices. Doing the right thing may come at a cost, but we must be prepared to pay the price.”

On the ongoing debate about the state of emergency declared in Rivers State, Jonathan, who refrained from making direct comments, admitted that it was not the norm for former presidents to comment on issues, so as not to heat up the polity.

However, he said following calls from many Nigerians, urging him to speak on the events in Rivers State, his advice is that political actors and Nigerians in general should act and tread more on the side of caution in the nation’s overall interest.

Hear him; “There is often an expectation that former presidents must comment on the actions of sitting presidents. However, traditionally, former leaders around the world rarely issue public statements on the decisions of their successors because of the potential tensions such remarks could create. This is a global practice—look at the United States, for example. Former presidents seldom comment on the governance of their successors.”

In faulting a situation where individuals can easily dictate to the judiciary, the former President said such unfortunate development makes it difficult for anyone to have faith in the country’s judicial system

He also said; “What is happening in Nigeria today regarding the situation in Rivers state is like an Indian proverb that says: ‘If somebody is sleeping, really sleeping, you can easily wake up that person. But if that person is pretending to sleep, you find it difficult to wake up that person’.

“The key actors in Nigeria, from the executive to the legislature, judiciary and the Senate and the judiciary… they know the correct thing to do. But they are refusing to do it.

“They are pretending to sleep and waking such a person is extremely difficult because the person knows the right thing. There is a clear abuse of office and clear abuse of power cutting across from the three arms of government, from the executive to the parliament and the judiciary.”

In welcoming the guests, founder of the Haske Satumari Foundation, Kudla Satumari, stressed the importance of diversity and inclusion in national development.

He said; “If you look at our society today, you will see how equity is critical to development. Every one of us faces some form of marginalisation. This colloquium amplifies the voices of those who feel excluded, ensuring that all forms of marginalisation are addressed”.

On his part, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, who was represented by Plateau State University’s Acting Vice-Chancellor, Shedrach Best, said; “The role of good governance is to promote inclusion, equity, and diversity. Plateau’s experience offers lessons for Nigeria in managing diversity. There were times we failed to manage our diversity well, and it led to conflict”.

Using the occasion to invite Nigerians to visit Plateau State, Governor Mutfwang highlighted the State’s cultural and natural attractions, saying; “Nigeria’s minorities may not have oil deposits, but we have tin and other precious minerals. Our diversity and good weather make Plateau a unique and hospitable place.”

Delivering the keynote address at the event, Kenyan Senator Crystal Asige, harped on the systemic barriers preventing persons with disabilities (PWDs) from fully participating in politics, governance, and economic life.

She stated thus; “These issues are not confined to a single nation; they are prevalent across jurisdictions worldwide, including Nigeria and Kenya”.

For her, despite legal frameworks promoting inclusivity, enforcement remains weak, leaving PWDs marginalised in politics, employment, education, healthcare, and social protection, noting that; “The political landscape remains impenetrable for us. Political parties often sideline disability issues instead of integrating them into broader discussions.”

The Kenyan Lawmaker lamented that; “The restrictive mindset that PWDs should only engage in disability matters prevents us from assuming leadership roles in other critical sectors”.