Jonathan Speaks on Rivers Crisis, Urges Leaders to Uphold Justice

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has weighed in on the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, cautioning against the abuse of power and urging key players to act in the nation’s best interest.

Addressing the issue of the governor’s suspension, Jonathan noted that as a former leader from the Niger Delta, many had called on him to intervene.

However, he emphasized that former presidents rarely comment on the actions of sitting presidents due to the potential tension it could create.

“The situation in Rivers State reminds me of an Indian proverb:

If somebody is truly asleep, you can wake them up easily. But if they are only pretending to sleep, waking them up becomes impossible,” Jonathan stated.

He expressed concern over what he described as widespread abuse of office across the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government.

“The key actors in Nigeria—the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary—know the right thing to do, but they are refusing to do it. They are pretending to sleep.

Waking such people is extremely difficult, but they know the right thing,” he said.

Jonathan further warned that a compromised judiciary and political instability deter foreign investment, noting that no businessman would risk investing in a nation where court judgments are dictated by political interests.

“If we want to build a nation where our children and grandchildren can thrive, we must strive to do what is right. It may cost us, but we must be willing to pay the price,” he concluded.

The political crisis in Rivers State has sparked concerns over governance and the rule of law, with stakeholders calling for dialogue and adherence to constitutional principles.