Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday lamented that a compromised judiciary and poor governance by both the Executive and Legislative arms of government are deterring investment and diminishing Nigeria’s global reputation and future.
President Jonathan, who spoke at the Haske Satumari Foundation’s annual colloquium in Abuja which focused on promoting social development through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Criticising the actions of key political actors, Jonathan noted that the decisions made by the executive, legislature, and judiciary shape how Nigeria is perceived internationally.
“No serious investor will bring their money into a country where the judiciary is compromised—where government officials can dictate court judgments,” he said.
Referring to the political situation in Rivers State, he invoked an Indian proverb: “If someone is truly asleep, you can wake them up. But if someone is pretending to be asleep, waking them up becomes impossible.
“In Nigeria today, key actors—from the executive to the legislature and judiciary—know the right course of action, yet they refuse to take it. They are merely pretending to be asleep.”
The former President highlighted the abuse of power across all branches of government, stressing that governance decisions have far-reaching consequences.
“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 added.
Jonathan linked Nigeria’s poor global perception to failures in governance, rather than solely blaming criminal activities such as cyber fraud.
“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 declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, Jonathan refrained from making direct comments.
“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.”
He also stated that building a society where no one is oppressed is the hallmark of good leadership; one that leverages the transformative power of diversity, equity, and inclusion for social change.
In charging the three arms of government not to compromise their offices and positions, Dr. Jonathan further said: “Whatever happens in a country, the decisions taken by the executive arm of government, the parliament and the judiciary affects 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.”
Speaking further on the theme of the colloquium, the former President said: “I believe that it is 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.
“However, I have also seen how the absence of these values can lead to division, inequality, and social unrest. It is therefore our responsibility, as leaders and change-makers, to promote a culture of diversity and inclusion, one that values and respects the dignity and worth of every human being and protects the interests of all.
“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.”
In his welcome remarks, the founder of the Haske Satumari Foundation, Kudla Satumari, stressed the importance of diversity and inclusion in national development.
“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,” he said.
