Jonathan: The return of the “rejected stone”, of…

Nearly 11 years after former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan left office as Nigeria’s leader, Nigerians still yearn for the return of the man whose administration carved a niche for himself with massive socio-economic development that positioned the country on a global scale as a country to be reckoned with.

The name Jonathan resonates in Nigerian homes and beyond, as many remember the legacy of a man whose policies not only made Nigeria’s economy the largest in Africa, surpassing South Africa, but also ushered in a period of national growth that gave Nigerian citizens a new lease on life that has become a benchmark.

The Otuoke, Bayelsa State born university lecturer turned politician’s entry into the Nigerian political scene is seen by many as a divine intervention of God Almighty because of the prosperity recorded under his [Jonathan] administration.

In this sense, for most Nigerians there is no better time than now, to look for the man with the divine ability as the nation fights for survival ahead of the 2027 presidential elections.

Nigerians remember Jonathan more than ever as economic hardship and other ills plaguing the country push many to the brink. But the hope for a better tomorrow is not far-fetched as citizens foresee a possible return of the Messiah through a national appeal for man.

Jonathan’s leadership credentials as a leader capable of taking Nigeria out of trouble are not in doubt. For most Nigerians, the return of this statesman par excellence is more than ever a call to save Nigeria as the nation sinks further into a state of uncertainty.

Nigeria’s current leadership is, to say the least, incapable of overcoming the barrage of challenges facing the nation.

Therefore, the call for the return of the Messiah at this material time is inevitable, especially judging from the fact that since completing his tenure in 2015, Jonathan has remained committed to Nigeria’s aspirations by making himself available and offering support in various fora in the quest for a better Nigeria.

As a testament to Jonathan’s leadership ability, in July 2025, he was appointed as the United Nations envoy for the global crisis. The first former African head of state to hold this responsibility.

As a man acclaimed locally and internationally as a leader with conscience, his nomination was supported by world powers, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China and Russia.

The recognition highlights Jonathan’s democratic credentials, particularly the peaceful transfer of power in 2015, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, now deceased former President Muhammad Buhari, as well as mediation efforts through the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF).

Other laurels for Jonathan include: his nomination for the 2025 Founders Sunhak Peace Award, becoming the first African leader to win this category of honor.

Furthermore, in 2022, he was again appointed to the International Advisory Board of the European Corporate Council on Africa and the Middle East (ECAM Council), becoming the first leader from sub-Saharan Africa to serve on the board.

Jonathan, as an astute democrat, has led various election observation missions for the Commonwealth and the African Union, among other international missions.

Many believed that the former president had been driven from office in a web of intrigue at the highest levels and not for poor performance

Now, his re-entry into the Villa race marks the return of the rejected stone with the high prospect of becoming the cornerstone

It is therefore not out of place to say that Nigerians await the return of the messiah for a national rescue mission.

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