Anderson Cooper Speaks: Let Our Actions Be Guided By Love And Justice – Jonathan's Message To Nigerians

Scope 03 Apr 2025

Let Our Conducts Be Defined By Love - Jonathan Tells Nigerians

Goodluck Jonathan Warns: Injustice Threatens Nigeria's Stability and Future

Let me paint you a picture. Imagine a nation where fairness and justice are not just words but actions that guide every decision. That’s the vision former president Goodluck Jonathan laid out recently. He made it clear that when justice takes a backseat in decision-making, the stability and future prosperity of a nation are put at risk. This isn’t just about policies or politics—it’s about the very fabric of society.

Jonathan voiced these concerns while reflecting on the state of emergency declared in Rivers State. You see, it’s not just about Rivers—it’s a wake-up call for the entire nation. He emphasized that no country can thrive when those in power act like dictators, disregarding the principles of democracy and fairness. That’s a recipe for disaster, folks.

Jonathan's Take on the Rivers State Crisis

Now, let’s zoom in on the heart of the matter. Jonathan pointed out that the crisis in Rivers State is not just a local issue; it’s a reflection of deeper governance challenges across Nigeria. The breakdown in the relationship between the executive, legislature, and judiciary has created a perfect storm of injustice. When these key players fail to uphold the rule of law, the entire system falters. It’s like a house built on sand—bound to collapse.

Read also:
Greg Laurens Multifaceted Journey Net Worth Career And Creative Ventures

This issue isn’t new, but it’s one we can’t afford to ignore. Jonathan shared these thoughts during the Annual Colloquium of the Haske Satumari Foundation in Abuja. The event is all about amplifying the voices of the marginalized and pushing for equitable governance. It’s a platform to remind everyone that justice isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a necessity for progress.

Compromised Institutions: A Barrier to Growth

Here’s the thing: when institutions are compromised, it sends a ripple effect through the entire economy. Jonathan highlighted that investors are wary of putting their money into environments where the judiciary might be influenced. If you can’t trust the legal system, why would you invest? This lack of trust deters investment, slows economic growth, and ultimately affects everyone. It’s like trying to build a business without a solid foundation—it’s bound to crumble.

Jonathan put it this way: “We’re talking about building a society where no one is oppressed, as reflected in the top paragraph of our national anthem.” That’s a powerful statement. He drew on an Indian proverb to illustrate his point: “If someone is sleeping, you can wake them up. But if they’re pretending to sleep, it’s much harder.” He believes that the key actors in Nigeria—from the executive to the legislature and judiciary—know the right thing to do, but they’re choosing not to act. It’s like they’re pretending to sleep, and it’s up to the people to wake them up.

He continued, “The abuse of power and privileges cuts across all three arms of government—the executive, parliament, and judiciary. We must remember that every action we take affects everyone. If we want to build a nation where our children and grandchildren can be proud, no matter how painful it is, we must strive to do what is right. It might cost us, but we must pay the price to insist on doing the right thing.”

He urged everyone, regardless of their position—whether as a president, minister, governor, or judicial officer—to strive for justice. “If we want to build a nation that our children will be proud of, we must commit to promoting social change. This isn’t a one-time event—it’s a continuous process. It requires sustained commitment, collective action, and unwavering dedication to the values that promote good governance.”

So, here’s the takeaway: justice isn’t just a buzzword. It’s the foundation upon which a nation stands. If we want a brighter future for Nigeria, we must all play our part in ensuring fairness and accountability. As Jonathan put it, it’s a journey, not a destination. Let’s make sure we’re all walking in the right direction.