Former President Goodluck Jonathan has taken a sharp swipe at government institutions, accusing them of wrongdoing while casually urging critics to seek justice in the courts.
Speaking recently at the 2026 Law Week of the Yenagoa Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association in Bayelsa State, Jonathan did not mince words.
“We see government institutions doing the wrong thing and telling people to go to court,” he stated.
He then referenced an East African proverb to drive his point home. “There is this saying in East Africa that if a thief tells you to go to court, he knows that his brother is the judge.”
The former leader painted a picture of systemic rot where officials evade accountability by relying on a compromised judiciary. His remarks suggest that court referrals often mask favoritism and pre-determined outcomes.
Jonathan's intervention comes amid broader concerns about judicial independence in Nigeria. He urged lawyers and judges to uphold justice, fairness, and the rule of law as custodians of the legal system.
“As ministers in the temple of justice, the future of our nation can only be secured when justice is stronger than power; when institutions are stronger than individuals,” he emphasized during the plenary session.
This is not the first time Jonathan has highlighted these issues. He has previously warned that investors avoid places where politicians control the judiciary and called for stronger institutions ahead of future elections.
His latest comments have ignited widespread reactions on X (formerly Twitter). Many users praised the bluntness, sharing video clips of the speech and echoing frustrations with perceived judicial bias in high-profile cases.
Others, however, pointed to ironies in his record. Critics recalled corruption scandals during his administration, including fuel subsidy controversies and allegations of influence over judicial processes.
Jonathan's presidency (2010-2015) faced accusations of weak leadership amid massive graft probes. Detractors argue his current critique overlooks similar institutional failures under his watch, where political allies allegedly benefited from lenient judicial outcomes.
The timing adds weight. With 2027 elections looming and recent court rulings favoring political figures—including challenges to Jonathan's own eligibility—public trust in the judiciary remains shaky.
APC figures and officials have often told election petitioners to "go to court," only for verdicts to spark bias claims, including the Supreme Court upholding the 2023 presidential result.
Jonathan's message resonates in a nation weary of endless litigation that rarely delivers true accountability. He stressed equal protection under the law for the powerful and vulnerable alike.
Yet, the former president faces scrutiny himself. His call for judicial reform lands awkwardly against past PDP internal crises fueled by court interventions he once navigated.
Analysts see his speech as strategic positioning ahead of potential political moves. It underscores deep-seated problems but invites questions about selective outrage from a man who once led the country.
Nigerians continue to debate whether Jonathan's words signal genuine concern or calculated criticism. The proverb he invoked has gone viral, amplifying calls for transparent reforms in government and the courts.
As the nation grapples with governance challenges, Jonathan's remarks serve as a stark reminder: true progress demands institutions free from manipulation, where justice isn't a family affair.
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