Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the actions of executive, legislature and judicial officials affect Nigeria’s global image just like the activities of internet fraudsters, popularly called Yahoo Boys.
Mr Jonathan made this statement at the annual colloquium organised by the Haske Satumari Foundation in Abuja on Saturday, where he spoke on “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 said the actions of all arms of government contribute to the value of Nigeria’s passport and the kind of treatment citizens get outside the country.
“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.
“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 amid lingering reputational damage from President Bola Tinubu’s sordid antecedent and sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Kogi lawmaker Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who have continued to speak on international news platforms about her ordeal.
In January, Peoples Gazette reported how Mr Tinubu has hired lobbyists in the United States to help convince lawmakers and policymakers that he carries acceptable personal probity to lead Nigeria after suffering a reputational hit that followed reports of his involvement in illicit drug peddling and certificate fraud.
