Former President Goodluck Jonathan refrained from commenting on the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State during a colloquium organized by the Haske Satumari Foundation in Abuja on Saturday. This state of emergency, announced by President Bola Tinubu in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, was triggered by escalating political tensions in the state. Alongside the emergency declaration, the governor, his deputy, and members of the state House of Assembly were suspended for an initial period of six months.

Jonathan, acknowledging that many people had reached out to him for his views on the political situation in Rivers, emphasized that it is not customary for former presidents to comment on the actions of their successors to maintain political stability. He noted, “As a leader from the Niger Delta, people had been reaching out to me for my comment on the political situation in Rivers State.”

In an attempt to address the gravity of the situation without making specific comments, Jonathan referenced an Indian proverb: “The situation in Rivers State is like an Indian proverb which says that if somebody is really sleeping, you can easily wake him up, but if the person is pretending to sleep, it will be difficult to wake such a person up.”

During his speech, Jonathan called on the country’s leadership to refrain from actions that could tarnish Nigeria’s image. He highlighted the importance of decision-making by the executive, legislature, and judiciary, urging them to prioritize doing the right thing while in office. “Whatever happens in a country, the decisions taken by the executive arm of government, the parliament, and the judiciary affect everybody,” he remarked. “If we must build a nation for our children and grandchildren, we must try to do what is right.”

Jonathan emphasized that Nigeria’s international reputation and ability to attract investment hinge on positive actions that promote democracy and good governance. He stressed the importance of creating a society where no one feels oppressed and encouraged leaders to leverage the transformative power of diversity, equity, and inclusion for social change.

The former president shared his experiences, noting that policies promoting gender equality, youth empowerment, and regional balance during his administration helped bridge divides and foster national unity. “I believe it is the hallmark of good leadership and governance to promote a culture of diversity and inclusion,” he stated. “This culture values the dignity and worth of every human being and protects the interests of all.”

Jonathan concluded by asserting that a society characterized by these values is inherently innovative, resilient, and harmonious.

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