Former President Goodluck Jonathan has warned that no investor will commit resources to an economy where the judiciary is compromised or manipulated by political influence.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Democracy Dialogue of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in Accra, Ghana, the former leader stressed that judicial independence is central to building a stable and trustworthy business environment.
“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.
He urged Nigerian leaders to put justice and fairness above political or personal interests, noting: “If we must build a nation for our children and grandchildren, no matter how painful it is, we must strive to do what is right.”
Also speaking at the event, Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto hailed Jonathan’s 2015 concession of defeat as a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Kukah, however, advised the former president to remain cautious of politicians seeking to use his influence ahead of the 2027 elections. Quoting General Theophilus Danjuma, he said: “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.”
