Goodluck Jonathan Warns Against Government Interference in Judiciary, Says It Scares Investors

“Judicial independence is essential to creating a stable and reliable business environment,” he said Wednesday at the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation’s Democracy Dialogue in Accra, Ghana.

No investor, Jonathan emphasized, would put money into an economy when the judiciary is tainted and controlled by politics.

Everyone is impacted by it. No businessman, for instance, would bring his money to invest in a nation with a compromised court, where a government official might order judges to render a particular verdict. Because it is a huge risk, no individual brings his money to invest in that economy,” he remarked.

In order to ensure Nigeria’s future, Jonathan continued, its leaders must maintain justice and equity regardless of their own political or personal agendas.

“No matter how difficult it is, we must work to do what is right if we are to create a country for our children and grandchildren,” he stated.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chapter in Abia State has declared that former president Goodluck Jonathan must adhere to due process prior to running for president in 2027.

Jonathan’s right to run was acknowledged by the party, which also said that the PDP is an inclusive platform where qualified members can freely aim for any office in line with party policies and the Nigerian Constitution.

The party’s Abia State chairman, Abraham Amah, told Punch on Tuesday that a free and fair election would be used to choose the party’s presidential candidate.

But according to him, Jonathan has not yet properly presented his manifesto to the party.

“The People’s Democratic Party’s Abia State Chapter has been interested in rumors and questions about whether former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan would be interested in running for our great party’s presidential ticket in the upcoming general elections,” he stated. Jonathan is entitled to argue.

It will be decided by a free, fair, transparent, and democratic presidential convention of the People’s Democratic Party. Personal inclinations, wishful thinking, or one-sided support from any one party member, organization, or structure are not the issue.

Being a renowned party leader and former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan is entitled under the constitution to run for the party’s ticket if he so chooses.

“The PDP continues to be an inclusive and open platform where all eligible members are free to pursue any office in compliance with the Nigerian Constitution and party guidelines.”

Additionally, he stated, “We are aware that some influential interest groups within the PDP strongly believe that Dr. Jonathan is eminently qualified to give the party a strong and competitive representation at the national level.”

Amah stated that while these viewpoints are taken into consideration, the convention’s delegates have the final say.

Engagements with the Abia PDP are still open. Former President Jonathan has not yet formally presented his vision, agenda, or policy direction to the Abia PDP. However, we think there is still time for him or any other candidate to get in touch with our chapter and ask for help.

We invite all candidates to apply. The Abia PDP stays impartial until all candidates have had a chance to present their plans and the convention makes a decision. We invite all prospective presidential candidates to formally introduce themselves, their platforms, and their plans for Nigeria.

Within the Abia PDP, as well as throughout the nation, the party is closely observing political developments. In accordance with our members’ and stakeholders’ interests, we will formally announce our stance when the time is right,” Amah stated.