Jonathan Fires Back At Rivers Crisis, Warns Key Figures Over Their Inaction During State OF Emergency

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has emphasized that a nation’s stability and future prosperity are jeopardized when justice and fairness are not prioritized in decision-making processes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Jonathan made this assertion while commenting on the state of emergency declared in Rivers State. He stated that no country can thrive when its government officials abuse power and act in a dictatorial manner.

According to Jonathan, the crisis in Rivers State is indicative of broader governance challenges in Nigeria, where critical figures in the executive, legislature, and judiciary fail to uphold justice and the rule of law.

Speaking at the Annual Colloquium of the Haske Satumari Foundation in Abuja, an event focused on amplifying marginalized voices and advocating for equitable governance, Jonathan expressed concern that compromised institutions hinder investment and economic growth, as investors are hesitant in environments where judicial rulings may be manipulated.

Jonathan said, “We are talking about building a society where no one is oppressed, as reflected in the opening lines of our national anthem.

“What is happening in Nigeria today, especially in Rivers State, mirrors an Indian proverb: if someone is truly asleep, you can easily wake them up. But if they are pretending to sleep, it’s much harder to wake them. The key actors in Nigeria—from the executive to the legislature and the judiciary—know what should be done, yet they are refusing to act. They are pretending to sleep.”

He continued, “Waking such a person is extremely difficult, yet they know the right course of action. There is clear abuse of office, power, and privileges across all three branches of government. I urge our people to understand that our actions affect everyone.”

Jonathan stressed the importance of doing what is right, even if it is painful. “If we want to build a nation that our children and grandchildren can be proud of, we must do what is right, regardless of the cost. Whether you hold an executive office as a president, minister, governor, or advisor, or serve in the parliament or judiciary, we must always strive to do what is right.”

He concluded, “Building a nation is a continuous process that requires commitment, collective action, and unwavering dedication to good governance values