2023: Don’t Get Blinded By Political Power – Jonathan Issues Strong Warning

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has cautioned the political class against some of the temptations that may arise while in office.

According to the former Nigerian leader, there is a tendency for politicians in power to get blinded by the opportunities and authority bestowed by the office.

He however warned against such tendencies, rather calling on them to remain level-headed and respect other arms of government.

Jonathan sounded the note of warning in Yenegoa during the book presentation/reception as part of activities that marked the retirement of the Bayelsa State Chief Judge, Justice Kate Abiri.

The former President hailed the retiring Chief Judge and recalled how her fearlessness and dedication averted a constitutional crisis when she swore in the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.

He added that politicians must always uphold the rule of law and judicial officers must strive to be impartial and courageous in the discharge of their duties.

He said: “I advise politicians that while in office, let us not try to blackmail the judiciary because it is conservative. When we get political power, we get so blinded. Politicians should know that society is changing.

“Today, we are celebrating our retiring Chief Judge because she has served meritoriously. In 2015, she left Bayelsa for Rivers to perform the swearing-in of the governor thereby averting anarchy. It appears that the judicial arm is more functional than the executive.”

Speaking at the same event, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, hailed Justice Abiri as a shining example of meritorious service during her 15-year term as Chief Judge, noting that she swore in three governors in Bayelsa and one in Rivers within that period.

The Governors are Timipre Sylva (2008), Seriake Dickson (2012), Douye Diri (2020), and Nyesom Wike (2015).