Former President Goodluck Jonathan has explained that his long silence to comment on the Rivers State political crisis was because it is not the norm for former presidents to comment on the policies and actions of their successors to avoid heating up the polity.
Penpushing reports that Jonathan made the explanation on Saturday as the Chairman of the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium, which focused on promoting social change and empowerment through diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
The Former President pointed out that, as a leader from the Niger Delta, people have been reaching out to him to comment on the political situation in Rivers State, just as he advised members of the three arms of government in Nigeria, to do the right thing while in office and avoid taking actions that could negatively impact the country’s image.
“Of course, what is happening in Nigeria today regarding the situation in Rivers State is like an Indian proverb which says that if somebody is really sleeping, you can easily wake up that person but if someone is pretending to sleep, it will be difficult to wake the person up’, he stated
Penpushing further reports that Jonathan added that the key actors in Nigeria know the correct thing to do but they are refusing to do it, stressing that they are pretending to sleep stating that waking up such a person is extremely difficult.”
The former President 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.
Penpushing also reports that charging the three arms of government which include the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary, pointed out that the decision taken affects everybody
“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.”
Penpushing reports that Jonathan speaking on the theme of the colloquium, said it’s a mark of good leadership and governance to be able to leverage the transformative power of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for social change.
‘I believe that it is a mark of good leadership and governance to be able to leverage the transformative power of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) 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.’, he stated
“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.”
Penpushing further reports that the former president noted that a country’s international standing and the investments it could attract depended on its leaders’ positive actions in advancing democracy and good governance.
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