A PRESIDENT, ONCE RIDICULED The Story of Goodluck Jonathan and Nigeria’s Irony of Memory

“A prophet is not without honor, except in his own town.” – Jesus Christ (Mark 6:4)

There is a bitter irony playing out in Nigeria’s political consciousness—a haunting reminder of how time rewrites narratives. One of the most classic cases is that of Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Nigeria’s 14th Head of State and 3rd democratically elected President, who governed the nation from 2010 to 2015. A man once ridiculed, insulted, and dismissed as clueless, is now being re-evaluated with nostalgia, as Nigeria reels from the consequences of leadership choices made since his departure.

The Mockery: When Nigerians Said "RIP" to a Sitting President

During Jonathan’s presidency, particularly from 2012 to 2015, public opinion was overwhelmingly critical. He was called “clueless”, “weak”, and “inept.” His every statement was twisted into jokes. His photos were turned into memes. He was the subject of biting satire across TV, radio, and social media. Even his academic credentials—a PhD in Zoology—became a point of mockery.

Some of the most shocking moments included:

• Photoshopped Images and Memes: Social media was awash with memes portraying Jonathan as confused or sleeping. Popular posts declared him the “Worst President in Nigerian History.”

• The "RIP" Trend: When Boko Haram insurgency escalated in 2014 and the tragic Chibok Girls abduction occurred, anger turned to emotional outrage. Some online users boldly posted fake obituary graphics with Jonathan’s image and “RIP” written across them—as though wishing political death upon him.

• #OccupyNigeria Protests: Jonathan's government’s attempt to remove fuel subsidy in 2012 triggered massive protests across the nation. The backlash portrayed him as insensitive and disconnected from the masses.

• Accusations of Corruption and Weakness: He was widely accused of running a corrupt and ineffective administration, with many Nigerians convinced that his inability to decisively combat insecurity and corruption made Nigeria a failed state.

At the height of these tensions, Muhammadu Buhari was hailed as the “Messiah” who would save Nigeria. With military credentials and a “no-nonsense” persona, Nigerians turned their hopes toward him, believing Jonathan's exit was the beginning of national redemption.

The Irony: Now What is Happening?

Fast forward to 2025, and the narrative has done a full 180-degree turn. Many of those who campaigned for Jonathan’s removal now confess, “We didn’t know what we had.”

Here’s why:

1. Economic Decline

Under Jonathan, Nigeria’s economy was the largest in Africa, with a GDP of over $500 billion. Inflation was moderate, the exchange rate stable (₦150–₦180/$), and foreign investments were flowing.

Under his successor, the naira plummeted to historic lows (over ₦1,400/$ by 2024), inflation soared, and fuel subsidies were removed without safety nets—causing unprecedented hardship.

Today, basic food items are unaffordable. Transportation, rent, and school fees have all doubled or tripled. People now say: “During Jonathan, at least we could eat.”

2. Security Deterioration

Jonathan was mocked for being “soft on Boko Haram,” but in his final months, he launched a major offensive that reclaimed lost territories. Since his exit, Nigeria’s security crisis has worsened:

• Banditry in the North-West
• Herders-farmers clashes in the Middle Belt
• Rising cases of kidnapping across all zones
• ISWAP gaining strength in the North-East

Even military barracks and airports have been attacked—events that were rare or unheard of during Jonathan’s era.

3. Democratic Values and Freedom

Jonathan’s administration was marked by respect for dissent and media freedom. He never jailed journalists or shut down social media. In fact, it was during his time that the online political community flourished.

Under later governments, press freedom declined, journalists were arrested, and Twitter was banned in Nigeria in 2021. Activists were detained, and protests like #EndSARS were violently suppressed. Nigerians began to say, “Jonathan didn’t jail us for protesting.”

4. Peaceful Transfer of Power

Jonathan became a global icon for peace when, after losing the 2015 election, he called Buhari and conceded defeat, saying, “My political ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.”

This act was historic and noble—yet it was only in retrospect that Nigerians understood the depth of its impact. His decision prevented post-election violence and earned him global respect, while Nigeria stood tall in Africa for democratic maturity.

5. International Recognition

After leaving office, Jonathan was invited by the United Nations, ECOWAS, and the African Union as an election observer and peace mediator. He was no longer “clueless”; he was seen globally as a statesman and peacemaker.

The Takeaway: Nigerians Are Rethinking Their Choices

Today, there is a widespread reawakening:

• "Jonathan was never the problem."
• "We were too harsh on him."
• "He wasn’t perfect, but he was humane."
• "We laughed at him, but now we cry over what we chose instead."

Nigerians have learned that mockery doesn’t build nations, and that voting based on propaganda and sentiments rather than policies and character can be costly.

Lessons to Learn

1. Don’t Judge Leadership by Memes or Emotions
   Democracy thrives when decisions are made based on critical thinking, not bandwagon social media ridicule.

2. Be Careful What You Wish For
   In rejecting Jonathan, Nigerians got what they thought was better. Time has proven otherwise.

3. Celebrate Peaceful Leaders
   Jonathan’s peaceful handover is still unmatched in Nigeria’s democratic history. That alone should have earned him lasting respect.

4. Don’t Kill Your Heroes Prematurely
   Jonathan may not have been perfect, but the “RIP” mockery many used against him now looks deeply distasteful and regrettable.

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Conclusion: A Nation’s Apology, Still Unspoken

History, as they say, is the fairest judge. Today, Goodluck Jonathan, once vilified and mocked, is being viewed with fresh eyes. His critics are now his admirers. His simplicity, once ridiculed, is now remembered as humility. His peace-loving nature, once called weakness, is now hailed as wisdom.

It’s time Nigerians reflect not just on Jonathan, but on the way we treat our leaders and how we form opinions. In a world driven by noise and manipulation, calmness, patience, and truth must guide the political judgment of the masses.

Maybe, just maybe, Goodluck Jonathan was not as clueless as we thought. Maybe, we were the ones who were blind.

Author's Note:
Let us stop the cycle of regret. Let us learn, grow, and choose wisely in future elections. The next time we want to say “RIP” to a president, let it be for retirement and respect—not mockery and ignorance.