‘You Cannot Wake Someone Pretending to Sleep’: Jonathan Slams Nigeria’s Leaders at Haske’s 2025 Colloquium

By Emmanuel Kwada

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan issued a scathing rebuke of the country’s leadership and governance systems during his address at the Haske Satumari Foundation 2025 Annual Colloquium, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.

In a speech that electrified the room, Jonathan declared, “You cannot wake someone who is pretending to be asleep,” a pointed jab at leaders he accused of dodging accountability and shirking responsibility.

Speaking to an audience of policymakers, thought leaders, and advocates, Jonathan lambasted Nigeria’s failure to uphold integrity across its judiciary, executive, and legislative arms, warning that this systemic rot is choking progress and driving away investment.

We all know the right things to do, but we refuse and neglect it

“We all know the right things to do, but we refuse and neglect it,” he said, laying bare a culture of inaction. “Our system is compromised, and it is affecting everybody.”

Jonathan didn’t mince words about the consequences. Focusing on the judiciary, he cautioned, “No businessman will bring his money to invest in a country where the judiciary is compromised.” He painted a stark picture of a nation losing economic ground due to a lack of trust in its legal framework, urging immediate reforms to restore credibility.

The former president tied his critique to a vision of hope, stressing that building a Nigeria “our children will be proud of” demands leaders stop “pretending to sleep” and start doing the right thing.

Our system is compromised, and it is affecting everybody

Reflecting on his own legacy, Jonathan highlighted his commitment to social justice, noting, “I appointed more women to my cabinet than any other president,” as evidence of his efforts to lead by example.

The colloquium, themed “Promoting Social Change and Development through Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice,” featured prominent voices like Kenyan Senator Crystal Asige, who delivered the keynote address.

Jonathan’s fiery remarks aligned with the event’s call for transformative leadership, igniting conversations about the urgent need for systemic overhaul.

Promoting Social Change and Development through Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice

As Nigeria wrestles with political unrest—like the ongoing Rivers State crisis—and entrenched governance challenges, Jonathan’s words stand as both a wake-up call and a challenge. Will the nation’s leaders rise from their feigned slumber, or will complacency continue to erode its future? For now, his rallying cry echoes: integrity and action must prevail.

Read Also: PHOTOS: 2025 Annual Colloquium of Haske Satumari Foundation Kicks Off in Abuja