Editor in Chief, Abuja Network News
As Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 general elections, the political chessboard is witnessing maneuvers that aim to resurrect past leaderships. One such move is the push by some Northern politicians to bring back former President Goodluck Jonathan for another term. This strategy, driven by political exigencies, hinges on the argument that Jonathan has only one tenure left, aligning with an informal North-South power-sharing arrangement. With President Tinubu completing or nearing the end of his term, proponents of this move see Jonathan as a "safe" option, one who would not disrupt the perceived power balance beyond the remaining four years. However, as the saying goes, "A leopard never changes its spots," and Jonathan’s return to power would likely mean a return to the same corrupt practices, mismanagement, and insecurity that marked his previous administration.
Jonathan’s presidency from 2010 to 2015 is often remembered as one of the most corrupt in Nigeria's history. During his tenure, Nigeria enjoyed one of its highest revenue inflows, particularly from oil sales, yet these revenues were squandered on personal enrichment and patronage rather than being invested in the nation's development. A Yoruba proverb goes, “Ti a ko ba ronu pe bi a ti je, a o ronu pe bi a ti nwa”—meaning, "If we don't consider how we eat, we won't think about how we look." Under Jonathan, the country was feasting on its wealth but not investing in its future, a shortsightedness that continues to haunt Nigeria to this day.
One of the most embarrassing aspects of Jonathan's presidency was his alleged heavy drinking habit, which reportedly led to a mortifying incident at an African Union summit where he was too inebriated to deliver his speech. This behavior was not just a personal failing but a national disgrace, reflecting poorly on Nigeria’s image on the international stage. As political philosopher Machiavelli once warned, "The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him." Jonathan surrounded himself with sycophants and cronies who, like him, were more interested in personal gain than the national interest.
The security situation under Jonathan deteriorated significantly. His administration's mishandling of the infamous Chibok girls kidnapping, where over 200 schoolgirls were abducted by Boko Haram militants, is a stark reminder of his government's ineptitude. The response was slow, chaotic, and ineffective, allowing Boko Haram to gain strength and further destabilize the region. The proverb "He who fetches firewood infested with ants invites lizards to his home" aptly describes Jonathan's governance; his actions and inactions provided fertile ground for corruption and insecurity to thrive.
Jonathan’s government was also marked by a flagrant disregard for the rule of law. In one notorious instance, his administration ordered armed security forces to ransack media houses and confiscate newspapers that were critical of his government. This blatant attack on press freedom demonstrated a deep-seated intolerance for dissent and a willingness to use state power to suppress opposition, a move that undermined Nigeria's democratic principles. As former U.S. President Thomas Jefferson once said, "When the government fears the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny." Jonathan’s actions leaned heavily toward the latter.
The financial scandals that rocked Jonathan's government are numerous and staggering. The “Dasuki Gate” scandal saw billions of dollars earmarked for arms procurement diverted for political purposes, severely weakening Nigeria's defense against Boko Haram and other security threats. Then there was the scandal involving Diezani Alison-Madueke, Jonathan's Minister of Petroleum Resources, who was implicated in extensive corruption and money laundering schemes that siphoned off billions of dollars from Nigeria’s oil sector. To this day, Diezani remains under investigation in the UK, a stark reminder of the kleptocracy that defined Jonathan's administration.
Moreover, Jonathan's presidency was riddled with allegations of favoritism and nepotism, with his cronies and even girlfriends allegedly benefiting from lucrative government contracts and appointments. Figures like Reno Omokri, who emerged as billionaires seemingly overnight, serve as prime examples of how Jonathan's government enriched a select few while the masses languished in poverty. This systematic corruption was not merely incidental; it was endemic and rooted in the very fabric of his governance style. As another proverb goes, "When the fish rots, it starts from the head," and Jonathan’s leadership exemplified this rot.
The metaphor of the 100 Naira note, introduced during Jonathan’s presidency, is perhaps the most fitting symbol of his tenure. The note, criticized for its poor quality, flimsy design, and lack of durability, mirrors Jonathan’s governance—superficially attractive but fundamentally flawed and unsustainable. It is a daily reminder in the hands of every Nigerian of the kind of legacy Jonathan left behind—a legacy of corruption, mismanagement, and squandered opportunities.
For those advocating for Jonathan’s return, it is crucial to remember the words of the philosopher George Santayana: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Bringing Jonathan back into power would not be a solution but rather a regression to an era characterized by widespread corruption, weakened institutions, and compromised national security. His presidency was not just a failure; it was an endemic and systematic failure that left Nigeria worse off in almost every respect.
In a country yearning for progress, stability, and growth, the idea of a Jonathan comeback should be seen as a dangerous gamble—a step back into the dark days of corruption and incompetence. Nigeria deserves better than a return to a leadership that proved itself incapable of genuine reform or development. As we look towards 2027, Nigerians must choose leaders who embody integrity, competence, and a genuine commitment to national growth. Anything less would be a disservice to the nation’s future and a repeat of past mistakes we cannot afford.
To truly know what the future holds under Jonathan, we need only look at the old 100 Naira note—a clear reminder that we cannot afford to return to a past marred by failure and corruption.
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