Former President Goodluck Jonathan stated that the conduct of executive, legislative, and judicial officials influences Nigeria’s global reputation just as much as the activities of internet fraudsters, commonly known as Yahoo Boys.
He made this remark on Saturday at the annual colloquium organized by the Haske Satumari Foundation in Abuja, where he discussed the topic, “Promoting Social Change and Development Through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.”
The former president accused the executive, legislature and judiciary of the lingering crisis in Rivers State, saying, “I always plead with our people that whatever we do affects everybody, and sometimes we do things, and we think that it doesn’t affect us.”
Mr. Jonathan stated that the actions of all branches of government influence the value of Nigeria’s passport and the way its citizens are treated abroad.
“Why is it that our passport is not valued that much? Why is it that Nigerians are not given the kind of treatment we’re supposed to receive at international airports?” Mr Jonathan queried.
“Sometimes, we think it’s because of ‘Yahoo Boys’ or 419. Not only them; yes, they are part of the problem,” the politician said. “But whatever happens in the country, decisions that are taken by the executive arm of government, decisions that are taken by the parliament and judicial decisions affect everybody.”
Mr Jonathan further said, “For example, no businessman can bring his money to invest in a country where the judiciary is compromised, where government functionaries can dictate to judges what judgment they will give.
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“No man brings his money to invest in that economy because we are taking a big risk. So whatever we do affects everybody, and if we want to build a nation where children and grandchildren will live, no matter how painful it is, we must strive to do what is right.”
Mr. Jonathan’s statement comes as President Bola Tinubu faces ongoing reputational challenges stemming from his controversial past, along with sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Kogi lawmaker Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has continued to share her experience on international news platforms.
In January, Peoples Gazette reported that Mr. Tinubu hired lobbyists in the United States to persuade lawmakers and policymakers of his integrity as Nigeria’s leader, following widespread scrutiny over allegations of involvement in illicit drug trafficking and certificate fraud.
(Peoplesgazette)
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