Goodluck Jonathan Quotes

Powerful Goodluck Jonathan for Daily Growth

About Goodluck Jonathan

Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, born on November 20, 1957, in Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, served as the President of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015. His humble beginnings and improbable rise to power have earned him the nickname "Goodluck." Born into a family of eight, Goodluck Jonathan's journey began in a modest fishing village. He attended school intermittently due to financial constraints, eventually completing his primary education at Anglican Primary School Mater Niger, Otuoke. Despite these challenges, he displayed a keen intellect and a passion for learning that would later propel him forward. Jonathan studied at the University of Port Harcourt, earning a degree in Political Science. His political journey began in 1998 when he was elected as a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. In 2005, he became Nigeria's Acting President following the sudden death of President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, making him the first person to assume the office under such circumstances. In 2010, Jonathan was elected as President in his own right, winning a second term in 2011. His presidency was marked by several significant events, including the successful conduct of the 2015 general elections and the battle against Boko Haram insurgency. Jonathan's influence is not just political; he is also renowned for his wisdom-filled quotes that reflect his humble upbringing, empathy, and commitment to peace. A few notable ones include: "God Almighty has given us a precious gift – life. Do not waste it!", "There is no superior or inferior race, but only superior or inferior individuals," and "Democracy is not a feast, it's a journey." Today, Goodluck Jonathan continues to be an influential figure in Nigerian politics and beyond, using his platform to promote peace, unity, and development.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Nigeria's unity is not negotiable."

Goodluck Jonathan's quote, "Nigeria's unity is not negotiable," emphasizes the former Nigerian President's firm commitment to the indivisibility of Nigeria as a nation. It signifies his belief that the country's unity should be preserved at all costs, highlighting the importance of national cohesion and solidarity in overcoming challenges facing Nigeria. This quote serves as a call for unity amidst diversity, emphasizing the need for Nigerians to work together towards a shared vision for their nation.


"Politics without principles is akin to waking a sleeping lion; you can never tell its next move."

This quote emphasizes that politics devoid of strong moral values or principles can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous, like waking a slumbering lion which might react unexpectedly. It underscores the importance of basing political actions on ethical standards to ensure stability and predictability in governance.


"If power corrupts, then too much power corrupts absolutely."

This quote emphasizes that an excessive accumulation of power has a tendency to corrupt individuals or entities. In other words, when someone holds a great deal of power without restraint, it can lead to destructive behaviors and decisions, as the lure of maintaining power becomes more important than ethical conduct or the greater good. It serves as a reminder that power must be balanced and checked, to prevent its corrupting influence from causing harm.


"Development without security cannot be sustained."

This quote by Goodluck Jonathan emphasizes that economic development, or progress in other areas, cannot be maintained in a state where security is compromised. A secure environment, which includes political stability, personal safety, and peace, forms the foundation upon which prosperity and growth can thrive. In essence, he suggests that these two concepts - development and security - are intertwined; if one is weak, it negatively impacts the other, potentially leading to instability and the undermining of any progress made.


"Nigeria's diversity is not a weakness but a strength and the bond that holds us together is stronger than the forces seeking to divide us."

Goodluck Jonathan's quote emphasizes the importance and resilience of unity in a diverse nation like Nigeria. The diversity, rather than being a source of weakness, is portrayed as a strength because it enriches the culture, traditions, and perspectives within the country. However, the bond that holds this diverse nation together is seen as stronger than any external or internal forces attempting to exploit divisions among its people. In essence, Jonathan suggests that Nigeria's unity is robust enough to withstand the challenges of division and that its rich tapestry of culture and tradition should be celebrated rather than used as a tool for disunity.


One thing that I know and I feel Nigerians will celebrate is continuity and peace.

- Goodluck Jonathan

Celebrate, Will, Nigerians, Continuity

All Nigerians of voting age are free to vote based on their convictions. It is our duty to defend and protect that basic right, and - let no one be in doubt - we will.

- Goodluck Jonathan

Will, Nigerians, Based, Convictions

In my early days in school, I had no shoes, no school bags. There were days I had only one meal... I walked miles and crossed rivers to school every day. Didn't have power, didn't have generators, studied with lanterns, but I never despaired.

- Goodluck Jonathan

Every Day, Early Days, Bags, Crossed

We want to lead a country where people will be less greedy. Where people will know that the commonwealth of Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians, where people's wealth depends on the people around you. If you become a rich person and everyone around you is poor you are very poor.

- Goodluck Jonathan

Country, Very, Around, Rich Person

We will bring justice to the savage terrorists known as Boko Haram. They will be defeated.

- Goodluck Jonathan

Defeated, Will, Known, Savage

I've always affirmed, nobody's ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian.

- Goodluck Jonathan

Ambition, Nobody, Always, Nigerian

My brothers and sisters, we are all winners. In this context there is no victor and no vanquished. We have demonstrated, even in our diversity, the progress of Nigeria remains paramount for all.

- Goodluck Jonathan

Winners, Brothers, Nigeria, Context

Well-trained medical doctors and engineers leave Nigeria to the developed countries. We want to reverse that.

- Goodluck Jonathan

Developed Countries, Engineers

The argument about zoning and the presidency of Nigeria is like the philosophical argument of the egg or the hen. Who is older through the evolutionary process, who came first?

- Goodluck Jonathan

Process, Through, Argument, Philosophical

I reassure all Nigerians and the international community of our firm commitment to free, fair and credible elections. My commitment to free elections and one man, one vote remains unwavering.

- Goodluck Jonathan

Credible, Unwavering, Nigerians

When you talk about the oil wealth you compare nations. There are some nations with less than five million people. Nigeria has 150 million people. I cannot say that all the money earned from oil since 1958, when the first drop of oil was exported from this country to date, that the money has been effectively used.

- Goodluck Jonathan

Drop, Date, Some, Million People

We want to refocus Nigeria to make sure that basic infrastructure is provided. The environment is created for private investment, both within and direct foreign investment. So jobs will be created. That is my dream for Nigeria.

- Goodluck Jonathan

Within, Private, Sure, Nigeria

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