Quotes from Goodluck Ebele Jonathan ' speech at Nigerian Lawyers Association in the USA Annual Gala Dinner

"Diversity could remain a strength only when all interest groups in the society feel safe and secured"

No matter what my critic said about me, I ensured thet there was both freedom of speech and freedom after the speech

Under my watch not a single Nigerian was sent to prison because of anything they wrote or said about me or the Administration that I headedNigeria had neither political prisoners nor political exile under my Administration.

This administration may not like these statements.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has implored Nigerians to continue to support democratic governance.

The former Nigerian leader spoke at a dinner he attended in the United States on Saturday evening.

“I urge the Nigerian lawyers in the US and those in the Diaspora to do their best to support the democratic institutions we have built,” Mr. Jonathan said.

The former president was the keynote speaker at the Nigerian Lawyers Association’s annual dinner and merit awards ceremony which held in New York.

In his speech posted on his Twitter page on Saturday, Mr. Jonathan mentioned some factors he considered to be his administration’s democratic credentials.

“Under my watch not a single Nigerian was sent to prison because of anything they wrote or said about me or the administration that I headed,” Mr. Jonathan said. “Nigeria had neither political prisoners nor political exile under my administration.”

Mr. Jonathan’s speech on Saturday comes at a time several of his aides are being detained and some prosecuted for alleged corrupt practices while many others have since absconded from the country.

Some of Mr. Jonathan’s former aides being prosecuted include ex-NSA Sambo Dasuki and former presidential aide Waripamowei Dudafa. Others being investigated and currently in detention include former presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati, and ex-Abuja minister Bala Mohammed. Some others like former aide Kingsley Kuku and ex-petroleum minister Diezani Alison-Madueke have since left the country allegedly to avoid prosecution.

Mr. Jonathan’s speech also comes amidst an increasing crackdown by security agencies on citizen journalists and bloggers.

In Abia State, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu admitted to plotting the arrest of a blogger and indigene of his state, Emenike Iroegbu.

In Katsina, a blogger was arrested and detained for 22 days for posts criticising the administration of Governor Aminu Masari.

Within this period, PREMIUM TIMES reported no fewer than five cases of individuals being arrested and charged – or released – by the authorities for offences bordering on expressions.

In his speech, Mr. Jonathan also argued strongly for Nigeria’s diversity and its inherent benefits.

“Diversity could remain a strength only when all interest groups in the society feel safe and secure,” Mr. Jonathan said while speaking on the theme ‘Diversity As Our Bridge to Tomorrow.”

The former president said he carefully selected his cabinet members to reflect the diversity of Nigeria and warned against exploitation of the country’s fault lines by any leader.

“Most of my principal aides in government hailed from different ethnic nationalities,” Mr. Jonathan said. “We never placed ethno-religious interests above merits or individual values when making decisions.

“Nigeria is for all Nigerians. We must resist the push of ego that may make us want to pursue a regional or narrow agenda.”

Mr. Jonathan ended his speech with a touch on transparency and accountability.

“We enacted the Freedom of Information Act and by that we tore the veil of secrecy covering governance.

“We gave institutions unlimited freedom and ensured that the NBA, other professional institutions were devoid of any governmental influence.

“We ensured that appointments to INEC were not based on personal relationships,” he said.

While Mr. Jonathan did not make any direct reference to the current government in his speech, some Nigerians are already inferring that, with some saying he could be arrested.

On Twitter, a user, @Eloka51, said the former president’s unusually critical comments could be a precursor to his arrest.

“Just going through this thread. Looks like GEJ’s arrest is around the corner,” the user said.

Mr. Jonathan’s comments occur the same day Vice President Yemi Osinbajo spoke at Harvard University during which he said Mr. Jonathan could only be arrested if found culpable after completion of investigations.

Mr. Osinbajo’s statement marked most authoritative indication yet that the former president could actually be arrested.

In August, PREMIUM TIMES exclusively reported that Mr. Buhari had ordered investigation of Mr. Jonathan for alleged ties to the resurgent militancy in the Niger-Delta.

The former president denied the allegations.

Mr. Jonathan’s wife, Patience, recently had accounts linked to her frozen. She has since filed a suit in court seeking $200 million damages against the anti-graft commission, EFCC, for freezing $15 million she claims is hers.

http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/214040-no-nepotism-crackdown-free-speech-administration-goodluck-jonathan.html

The Ineffectual Buffoon is seriously pained that his fellow thieves are being held to account for their deeds.

Jona, not only that you were not fit to be president, you were a disaster, a complete one.

If you were fit to be president, the man who vowed to make Nigeria ungovernable for you should have been picked up and seriously drilled by DSS, especially with the spate of bombings that followed that promise.

If you were competent to be president, those who fooled you to approve just anything and everything in return for their support would not have been able to do that.

What a waste of presidency!

It's only when an Islamic Northern President rule Nigeria that such thing as Exile,political prisoners are heard.
At the inception of Yaradua's administration, El-rufai and others went into exile. when Jonathan assumed office, they all came back. Now Buhari is in power, many Nigerians are political prisoners, some prisoners of conscience and others are in exile.
The Northern Nigeria is a bedrock of everything anti-nigeria. They breed rudderless ,vindictive and islamists leaders.

That happened under your said watch because your eyes were blinded by the following things my dear ex-presido:
-Your deep and profound cluelessness which was obviously noticeable during the various cases of clear korokoro daylight corruption involving your cronies that you waved aside.
-That Ogogoro, Sapele water, vodka, whiskey, champagne and other strong drinks that drive u to a state of stupor after serious consumption. How could you even look at the news headlines or what Nigerians were facing in such a State?
-Mama piss who was causing one problem or the other which clearly showed that you couldn't even manage your Wife in the first place. How could u manage an ordinary LGA, not to talk of Nigeria.
-Your numerous concubines that u gave free hands to rob us blind and blind again even u inclusive to the extent that your couldn't tell the difference between corruption and stealing anymore.

Need I say more reasons why you couldn't jail anyone during your reign?

In summary, you are the weakest of them all, even your gentle demeanour tells it all - scared Tom. Afraid of taking the bull by the horn. Even the sick president we had was stronger than you were.

My hero .. It's so unfortunate that I can't play with words again ..

I can't even crack the 1m jokes flowing thru my veins

divinehand2003:
That happened under your said watch because you eyes were blinded by the following things my dear ex-presido:
-Your deep and profound cluelessness which was obviously noticeable during the various cases of clear

Truth hurts abi? Pele GEJ is an icon of democracy.

GEJ was never president. ..ask PEJ she will confirm it.

Hmm,.

SillyMods:
The Ineffectual Buffoon is seriously pained that his fellow thieves are being held to account for their deeds.

Jona, you were not only fit to be president. You were a disaster, a complete one.

If you were fit to be president, the man who vowed to make Nigeria ungovernable for you should have been picked up and seriously drilled by DSS, especially with the spate of bombings that followed that promise.

If you were competent to be president, those who fooled you to approve just anything and everything in return for their support would not have been able to do that.

What a waste of presidency!

I see a chained zombie. Children of captivity

Now Nigerians are scared to even mention Buhari or APC in beer parlour or they will be kidnapped by the secret police and executed

..

My Hero, dey accused you of training one million snipers ..

I would've said more but I am afraid to say it

SillyMods:
The Ineffectual Buffoon is seriously pained that his fellow thieves are being held to account for their deeds.

Jona, you were not only fit to be president. You were a disaster, a complete one.

If you were fit to be president, the man who vowed to make Nigeria ungovernable for you should have been picked up and seriously drilled by DSS, especially with the spate of bombings that followed that promise.

If you were competent to be president, those who fooled you to approve just anything and everything in return for their support would not have been able to do that.

What a waste of presidency!

Get your facts straight. Buhari never said he would make Nigeria ungovernable for Jonathan. That distinction goes to Lawal Kaita, former Governor of old Kaduna state who actually happens to be a PDP member

SillyMods:
The Ineffectual Buffoon is seriously pained that his fellow thieves are being held to account for their deeds.

Jona, you were not only fit to be president. You were a disaster, a complete one.

If you were fit to be president, the man who vowed to make Nigeria ungovernable for you should have been picked up and seriously drilled by DSS, especially with the spate of bombings that followed that promise.

If you were competent to be president, those who fooled you to approve just anything and everything in return for their support would not have been able to do that.

What a waste of presidency!

Guess his tribe.?

SillyMods:
The Ineffectual Buffoon is seriously pained that his fellow thieves are being held to account for their deeds.

Jona, you were not only fit to be president. You were a disaster, a complete one.

If you were fit to be president, the man who vowed to make Nigeria ungovernable for you should have been picked up and seriously drilled by DSS, especially with the spate of bombings that followed that promise.

If you were competent to be president, those who fooled you to approve just anything and everything in return for their support would not have been able to do that.

What a waste of presidency!

what's ur point?

Sealeddeal:
It's only when an Islamic Northern President rule Nigeria that such thing as Exile,political prisoners are heard.
At the inception of Yaradua's administration, El-rufai and others went into exile. when Jonathan assumed office, they all came back. Now Buhari is in power, many Nigerians are political prisoners, some prisoners of conscience and others are in exile.
The Northern Nigeria is a bedrock of everything anti-nigeria. They breed rudderless ,vindictive and islamists leaders.

Your head de there kamkpe......correct!! They are mostly inspired by their own prophet who never tolerated criticism all through his killing sprees to establish Islam. Somebody's tongue was cut off because he dare to ask for more (war booties) like Oliver twist did..
They always relied on FEAR to rule....not patriotism from the heart..

You have a point there Mr GEJ

For what they said or stole....

GEJ during his administration was like: 'steal as much as u can'

He forgot to add 'be careful, Bubu may come for u'

Sealeddeal:
It's only when an Islamic Northern President rule Nigeria that such thing as Exile,political prisoners are heard.
At the inception of Yaradua's administration, El-rufai and others went into exile. when Jonathan assumed office, they all came back. Now Buhari is in power, many Nigerians are political prisoners, some prisoners of conscience and others are in exile.
The Northern Nigeria is a bedrock of everything anti-nigeria. They breed rudderless ,vindictive and islamists leaders.

right. But y shud they run if their all innocent?

Am not afraid 2die or b insulted by bullies like buhari n his hordes of zombies dat Daura President dat looks like a rope originator of recession hunger n poverty in Nigeria

EternalTruths:


Guess his tribe.?

Afonja. But he's right, isn't he?

I'm sure he's inebriated again. Degenerate prick with a PhD in Cluelesness doing what he does best- making idiotic statements at random.

News: LEADERSHIP Newspaper, Detained Journalists Released, Lambast Nigeria Police

LEADERSHIP, the Nigerian newspaper four of whose journalists were detained this week on the orders of President Goodluck Jonathan, has indicated it will challenge the infraction on its rights.

“The police have no right to arrest and illegally
detain our journalists – or any other journalist –
as they have done; we shall not let this violation
go unchallenged,” the management of the
company said in a press statement in in which it
announced that the journalists have been let go.

It said that two of the journalists, Tony
Amokeodo and Chibuzo Ukaibe, were only released conditionally, to report at the police headquarters at 10am every day.

“We wish to restate that these conditions are
obnoxious and unacceptable in any democratic
society,” the statement stressed.


saharareporters.com/2013/04/09/leadership-newspaper-detained-journalists-released-lambast-nigeria-police

News: Six journalists arrested in Nigeria over presidential letter

Jon Gambrell 12 Oct 2011 19:05

Police in Nigeria raided a newspaper office on
Wednesday after detectives arrested four
journalists over the publication of a purported
letter from the nation’s former president
instructing its current leader to fire government
officials.

Police descended on the Abuja office of the
Nation newspaper as reporters working there
fled onto nearby streets, said the journalists who spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear of being arrested.

Officers apparently were searching for material to identify the source who gave the newspaper the alleged letter from former president Olusegun Obasanjo to President Goodluck Jonathan.

Pathological liar and a crook he is and thinks everyone is as forgetful as he is.

An iPod yoot was even among those arrested.

kropotkin2:
Get your facts straight. Buhari never said he would make Nigeria ungovernable for Jonathan. That distinction goes to Lawal Kaita, former Governor of old Kaduna state who actually happens to be a PDP member

Who said it was Buhari?

magmack:

I see a chained zombie. Children of captivity

Your photoshop ability is top-notch.

Do one for yourself please.

During GEJ'S era, the owner of this forum wrote ..


Now, let him write piiim

..

Sealeddeal:
It's only when an Islamic Northern President rule Nigeria that such thing as Exile,political prisoners are heard.
At the inception of Yaradua's administration, El-rufai and others went into exile. when Jonathan assumed office, they all came back. Now Buhari is in power, many Nigerians are political prisoners, some prisoners of conscience and others are in exile.
The Northern Nigeria is a bedrock of everything anti-nigeria. They breed rudderless ,vindictive and islamists leaders.

many nigerians don't know dat northern born to rule extremist hate democratic system of govt. feudalism, dictatorship n authorianism is their mode of governance as can be seen in islamic countries of d world. none of dem is democratic in d real sence of d word.
dat is why they ar sponsoring systematic attack against d national assembly for its elimination. all dis jibrin/budget padding scandal is never about corruption. just part of their script to incite nigerians against nass to pave way for full blown authoritarianism.

I am happy because buhari will end jailing his supporters

He will start with tinubu boys this week

Muiz banire will be arrested by efcc this week

The last set will be those pay per post kids online

Waiting for the day the following will be arrested sarki. modath. omenka

Buhari is a despot
Despot has no friends

SillyMods:
The Ineffectual Buffoon is seriously pained that his fellow thieves are being held to account for their deeds.

Jona, you were not only fit to be president. You were a disaster, a complete one.

If you were fit to be president, the man who vowed to make Nigeria ungovernable for you should have been picked up and seriously drilled by DSS, especially with the spate of bombings that followed that promise.

If you were competent to be president, those who fooled you to approve just anything and everything in return for their support would not have been able to do that.

What a waste of presidency!

u tink western countries ar zombies like d rest of nigerians who believe buari is fighting corruption they know a despotic president wen they see one.
civilized countries all ova d world fight corruption silently by putting mechanism in place by way of legislation to open up d system through ICT for public scrutiny which makes it hard to commit acts of corruption, while ur buari is busy attacking members of opposition for rumors of corruption with impunity n gross violation of rule of law. buari is not fighting any corruption, just persecuting his political enemies.
talking corruption, d most corrupt region in d whole of nigeria is d north. let buari start from there if he's sincere about fighting corruption

That is because u are a good man.

Later some people will wonder why he is our Hero of Democracy.

Now I hope u guys can see?

omenka:
I'm sure he's inebriated again. Degenerate prick with a PhD in Cluelesness doing what he does best- making idiotic statements at random.



Pathological liar and a crook he is and thinks everyone is as forgetful as he is.

An iPod yoot was even among those arrested.

It doesn't matter whether you show the plebs these evidence, their opinion is already moulded. Sit back and watch as they would ignore your post like a plague as they continue their national duties below.