Jonathan: In Nigeria’s History, He’s The President Who Didn’t Engage In Extrajudicial Acts – Okutepa

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Jibrin Okutepa, has described former President Goodluck Jonathan as the only leader in the history of Nigeria who never engaged in extrajudicial or extra-unconstitutional actions.

He praised Jonathan’s record but cautioned that his ambition to contest in 2027 should give way to constitutional boundaries, arguing that the former president has already exhausted his years in office.

In an interview with Arise News, Okutepa explained that Jonathan served six years under the 1999 Constitution, two years completing the tenure of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and four years as an elected president.

He maintained that by law Jonathan cannot seek another four-year term, as it would exceed the constitutional limits. He noted that while Jonathan’s succession after Yar’Adua’s death was not his fault, constitutional provisions remain binding regardless of circumstance.

The legal luminary urged Jonathan to embrace the role of a statesman rather than pursuing another presidential ambition. According to him, Jonathan has earned tremendous respect for governing without extrajudicial practices, a legacy that should position him as a kingmaker instead of a contender.

Okutepa advised that if Jonathan feels the country needs reform, he should support credible Nigerians with competence and integrity rather than risking a constitutional breach.

As he said, “I wish that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan remains the statesman that he is, because in the history of Nigeria, he’s the only president that did not engage in extrajudicial and extra-unconstitutional acts.”

“I have tremendous respect for him and I think in my view, as former president of Nigeria, his role now should be the role of a statesman. And then being a statesman, he can be a kingmaker, not necessarily the king.”