Former President Goodluck Jonathan has raised fresh concerns about the dangers of political interference in the judiciary, warning that no investor would risk their money in a country where judges are compromised.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Democracy Dialogue of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in Accra, Ghana, Jonathan stressed that judicial independence is the backbone of a healthy economy. According to him, once court judgments can be dictated by political actors, both citizens and investors lose faith in the system.
He explained that investors are careful with their resources, and no one will stake money in an environment where legal decisions are manipulated. “It affects everybody. For example, no businessman can bring his money to invest in a country where the judiciary is compromised, where a government functionary can dictate to judges what judgment they will give. No man brings his money to invest in that economy because they are taking a big risk,” Jonathan said.
Jonathan further urged Nigerian leaders to prioritize justice and fairness above personal or political gains. He maintained that safeguarding the nation’s future requires leaders to consistently do the right thing, no matter how difficult or unpopular it may seem.
Also at the event, Bishop Mathew Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto commended Jonathan’s historic 2015 concession of defeat, describing it as a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy. However, he cautioned the former president to remain vigilant ahead of 2027, warning him not to allow political actors use him to serve their selfish interests.
Quoting General Theophilus Danjuma, Kukah reminded Jonathan: “The voice of the devil is not so far from the voice of God. Listen carefully to those who want to use you as an instrument for the elongation of their interests, and not your interests or the interests of Nigeria.”
