By Emeka Blast 
“Jonathan’s Critics Now Silenced as Former President Gains Global Recognition”
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, once vilified by Nigeria’s political elite during his 2010-2015 presidency, is now basking in global acclaim, earning encomiums and prestigious appointments from Western institutions, while many of his fiercest critics face political sidelining, public backlash, or silence. A wave of reflection has gripped Nigeria, with social media and analysts revisiting the barrage of attacks Jonathan endured—ranging from accusations of corruption and incompetence to threats of violence—and drawing stark lessons about the consequences of politically motivated vitriol.
During his tenure, Jonathan faced relentless criticism, much of it resurfacing in a viral X post on August 3, 2025, which cataloged scathing remarks from prominent figures. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo accused Jonathan of “training snipers” to target opponents, a claim made in a 2014 letter without evidence. Atiku Abubakar, then with the All Progressives Congress (APC), vowed to make Jonathan’s government “ungovernable” in 2013. Senator Dino Melaye branded Jonathan “the most corrupt president in Nigeria’s history” in 2014, while Pastor Enoch Adeboye led a “one million man march” in 2014 protesting insecurity under Jonathan’s watch. Pastor Johnson Suleman claimed Jonathan’s government “stole a lot of money,” and Reverend Father Ejike Mbaka called him “bad luck” in a 2014 sermon, urging his ouster.
The attacks escalated as the 2015 election loomed. Muhammadu Buhari, then an APC candidate, warned that “monkey and baboon will be soaked in blood” if Jonathan continued in office, a statement made in 2012. Rotimi Amaechi, then Rivers State Governor, threatened to form a “parallel government” if Jonathan won in 2015. The Northern Elders Forum labeled Jonathan the “sponsor of Boko Haram,” while Nasir El-Rufai called him a “kindergarten president.” Activist Omoyele Sowore declared that “PDP and Jonathan have failed Nigeria,” and Oby Ezekwesili led the “Bring Back Our Girls” campaign, blaming Jonathan for the Chibok kidnapping. Babatunde Fashola, then Lagos Governor, deemed Jonathan’s government a failure for not restoring power in six months, and Rabiu Kwankwaso boasted in 2015 that “Almajiris” were used to vote out Jonathan.
Fast forward to 2025, Jonathan’s global stature has soared. Appointed in June 2025 as a special envoy for the African Union’s peace initiatives, he has been lauded by Western leaders for his mediation in Mali and South Sudan. The University of Oxford named him a 2025 Distinguished Fellow, and the U.S. Council on Foreign Relations invited him to speak on democratic transitions, earning praise for his “graceful exit” in 2015. Meanwhile, his critics face a stark reversal of fortunes:
- Atiku Abubakar, now ADC presidential hopeful, struggles with a fragmented opposition after his July 2025 PDP exit.
- Rabiu Kwankwaso, rewarded with a 2023 ministerial role, faces declining influence in Kano’s NNPP.
- Dino Melaye, once a vocal senator, has faded from prominence after losing his 2023 Kogi governorship bid.
- Ejike Mbaka has avoided political commentary since his 2023 apology for anti-Jonathan sermons.
- Johnson Suleman maintains a low profile after controversies over his 2015 financial allegations.
- Oby Ezekwesili, banned from X in 2024 for alleged misinformation, has lost public traction.
- Olusegun Obasanjo has been sidelined, with his 2025 letters ignored by President Tinubu.
- Nasir El-Rufai, now with SDP, faces irrelevance after his March 2025 APC exit and a July 2025 economic collapse warning.
- Northern Elders Forum is criticized for failing to address regional poverty, losing credibility.
- Enoch Adeboye has shifted to spiritual matters, avoiding political statements since 2023.
- Omoyele Sowore faces legal battles and activist fatigue after his 2023 arrest.
The X post, shared by @NaijaGist, went viral with 12,000 retweets, stating, “Jonathan was dragged, but look who’s shining now! Karma is real. #MindWhatYouSay.” @EagleEyeNG added, “From ‘kindergarten president’ to global statesman, Jonathan’s rise humbles his haters.” Critics, like @APCDefender, countered, “Jonathan’s government was corrupt. His Western praise doesn’t erase that.” The lesson, as @TruthSeekerNG tweeted, is clear: “Mind what you say or do for selfish interests, because it must surely haunt you back.”
