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JONATHAN @ 66: CONTEXTUALIZATION OF THE BLIND MEN AND THE ELEPHANT IN THE QUEST FOR A NEW PARADIGM
JONATHAN @ 66: CONTEXTUALIZATION OF THE BLIND MEN AND THE ELEPHANT IN THE QUEST FOR A NEW PARADIGM
By Most Senior Comrade Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli,
The date 20th November would have remained like every other passing day but for the birth of a unique soul Dr. Goodluck Jonathan who was born into the families of elder Lawrence Ebele Jonathan and Mrs. Eunice Ayi Ebele Jonathan of Otuoke and Akipelai communities respectively in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on 20th November, 1957.
Although his birth was not significant or heralded with elaborate funfair at the then very remote Otuoke rural community because of the economic background of his parents who were average canoe carver and farmer, yet he grew up to manifest his destiny as one whose glorious light and destiny shall continue to illuminate countless lights all over the world.
Goodluck Jonathan’s consciousness and early awareness about the irreplaceable and indispensable place of education in the life of a people made him to strive to the highest level of academic excellence. His relentless efforts and sacrifices that resulted to his bagging of a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Zoology automatically positioned him strategically for countless possibilities.
He is reputed for now as the only political leader that grew from the position of a State Deputy Governor to Governor, Vice President, Acting President and President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces within a space of eleven years (1999-2010). Barack Obama then President of the United States of America and other world leaders attested to the above fact some years ago.
But like every other human, President Goodluck Jonathan who is fondly called GEJ has a fair share of human flaws and weaknesses. As a humble, sincere, very accessible and unassuming leader, he has never portrayed any trace of perfection, rather he has maintained his humble and very peaceful lifestyle that endears him to multitudes all over the world.
The story of President Jonathan shall continue to serve as reference material and roadmap for students of history and societies that are striving for good governance. The ouster of GEJ is likened to the case of the Israelites who became tired of God’s benevolence with good leadership and they decided to demand for earthly king in place of divine kings that God always gave them and made them to prosper. The rest is history. We know the atrocities of king Saul and the Muhammadu Buhari presidency and the woes they brought upon the Israelites and Nigerians.
GEJ’s humility, peaceful disposition, anti-gay stance, his strong determination to eliminate the Almajiri system particularly the ever widening gap between the rich and the poor in Northern Nigeria and the country in general pitched him against the privileged class. Grand conspiracies between internal and external forces resulted in the outcome of the 2015 Presidential Election result.
Surprisingly, what the enemies programmed for the downfall of President Jonathan rather served as a channel for global honour and celebration of one of the greatest political leaders that the African continent has ever produced.
One author or book cannot capture everything about this leader whose personality has differed social construct. His story is likened to the Blind Men and the Elephant of Indostan.
Over the years, President Goodluck Jonathan has successfully INSTITUTIONALIZED his great name and students and scholars all over the world now study his style of politics which is popularly referred to as the ‘JONATHANIAN POLITICAL SCHOOL OF THOUGHT’.
Critics of President Jonathan are likened to the Blind Men who desired to have one on one encounter with the Elephant that they have heard so much about even though they were blind and could not see.
The Blind Men were availed the rare privilege and opportunity in one of the occasions when some persons were passing with an Elephant.
During the historic and memorable encounter, one of the blind Men touched the Elephant and said it was a Wall. The second said it was a Spear. The third said it was a Snake. The fourth said it was a Tree. The fifth said it was a Huge Fan and the sixth said it was like a Rope.
Thereafter, the six blind Men started quarreling themselves because each of them was trying to prove that they knew what they were talking about.
But sane minds with clear eyes know that the blind Men were totally wrong because Elephant never fix into any of the answers or descriptions that they gave.
The Blind Men never knew about Hippopotamus otherwise they would have even likened the Elephant to it out of their ignorance.
Wise people will liken President Goodluck Jonathan to a Dove which is the symbol of the Holy Spirit even though he as son of the most high God and the Ijaw Nation particularly with the baptism and covering of ENAI OGBIA and the spirit of Ogbia Brotherhood has traits of the unconquerable Lion.
The Blind Men during their arguments failed to see beyond their shallow mindsets, same way many who talk about development during the Jonathan administration fail to connect its Relativism.
But whatever is the case, the name: GOODLUCK EBELE AZIKIWE JONATHAN has become a household name and a recurring decimal especially in our polity. Those who fail to acknowledge the above shall continue to groan in avoidable pains.
The six blind Men represent the six decades that the Father of contemporary democracy has lived even as we march into the era of wisdom, maturity, awareness and self-realization when haters of truth and light shall acknowledge the special gift from Almighty God and learn how to humble themselves.
President Goodluck Jonathan is a special gift from Almighty God to Ogbia Kingdom, Bayelsa State, Ijaw Nation, Niger Delta, Nigeria, Africa and entire humanity. Those who love and bless are blessed, same way those who hate and curse him are cursed.
Overtime, it has dawned on the people class, elites, religious and traditional leaders, scholars and all those who strive for greatness especially in the Nigerian system that Goodluck Jonathan’s style of politics and leadership is the most suitable particularly for a diverse society such as ours.
A resounding Congratulations and Happy Birthday to my great father, hero, living deity, legend and hero of Africa’s contemporary democracy.
~~~ Most Senior Comrade Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli wrote from the Federal Capital Territory FCT Abuja, Nigeria.
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BINIKAMAI 2025: CAРТ. ALFRED W. OBONIKA HONOURED AS OSAINTAREWEI OF GRAND IDUWINI KINGDOM CHIEFTAINCY TITLE
Amatu-1, Bayelsa State – November 22, 2025
In a historic and culturally vibrant ceremony, the Grand Iduwini Kingdom has conferred the prestigious chieftaincy title of Osaintarewei of Grand Iduwini Kingdom on Chief (Capt.) Alfred Obonika Waratimi. The honour was bestowed during the 2025 Osuogbosu Binikamai Festival held at Amatu-1 Town in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The revered monarch of the kingdom, His Imperial Majesty, Pere Joel Ekeni Ibani JP, Ogiobo-IX, Grand Pere of Iduwini Kingdom, personally performed the conferment rites before an enthusiastic gathering of chiefs, cultural custodians, community leaders, and indigenes.
The event, marked by colourful traditional displays and deep cultural symbolism, underscores the kingdom’s commitment to recognising individuals who have distinguished themselves in service, leadership, and loyalty to the Iduwini heritage.
In his remarks, Chief (Capt.) Alfred Obonika Waratimi expressed profound gratitude for the honour, dedicating it to the people of Iduwini Kingdom and the broader Ijaw Nation. He invoked blessings upon the monarch and the kingdom, praying:
“May the Ascended Masters and Grand Cosmic Beings enfold Ogiobo, Grand Iduwini Kingdom, and the entire Ijaw Nation now and beyond with Light, Life, and Love.”
The 2025 Osuogbosu Binikamai Festival, known for its rich cultural significance, once again highlighted the unity, spiritual strength, and enduring traditions of the Iduwini people.
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ENGR. AMAKUBUKURO CONFERED ‘MIENKIRIGBOLOMOWEI’ OF GRAND IDUWINI KINGDOM, THANKS OGIOBO-IX FOR THE CONFIDENCE REPOSED IN HIM
By: Favour Bibaikefie
Amatu-1, Grand Iduwini Kingdom – In a colourful display of culture, honour, and ancient tradition, renowned technocrat and accomplished Engr. Napoleon Amakubukuro, has been conferred with the prestigious chieftaincy title of “Mienkirigbolomowei of Grand Iduwini Kingdom” by His Imperial Majesty, Pere Joel Ekeni Ibane, JP during the just concluded Osuogbosu Binikamai Festival held at Amatu-1 town, the ancestral headquarters of the Grand Iduwini Kingdom.
The revered title, Mienkirigbolomowei, meaning “The Diligent One,” is reserved for individuals whose character embodies discipline, integrity, methodical excellence, and unwavering commitment to community upliftment. According to palace insiders, the title aligns perfectly with Engr. Amakubukuro’s reputation as a meticulous, circumspect, and pragmatic professional whose outstanding contributions and personal conduct have earned widespread admiration.
Speaking with deep emotions after the conferment, the newly installed Chief expressed profound gratitude to God Almighty, High Imperial Majesty, the Iduwini Traditional Council of Chiefs, and his immediate family for their prayers, support, and encouragement before and during the historic ceremony. He described the honour as a call to deeper service and reaffirmed his dedication to the growth and unity of all Iduwini people.
The chieftaincy conferment sparked an outpouring of tributes as friends, family, colleagues, and well-wishers flood social media platforms with congratulatory messages, celebrating Engr. Amakubukuro’s deserving recognition and commending his uplifting leadership qualities.
The Osuogbosu Binikamai Festival, one of the most significant cultural events in the Grand Iduwini Kingdom, once again served as a platform to celebrate excellence, heritage, and distinguished personalities whose achievements continue to inspire many.
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IJAW NATION HONOURS FORMER PRESIDENT JONATHAN ON BIRTHDAY, DESCRIBES HIM AS ‘A SON OF DESTINY’
By: Favour Bibaikefie
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has extended warm felicitations to former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as he marks his birthday, describing him as a Statesman whose exemplary leadership and enduring commitment to national unity continue to resonate across Nigeria and beyond.
In a heartfelt tribute issued by the Global President, Professor Benjamin Ogele Okaba, the INC said Jonathan remains a symbol of humility, peace, and democratic integrity whose legacy stands tall in the nation’s political history.
Read the full text of the statement below:
“A Birthday Tribute to a Statesman and a Noble Son of the Niger Delta
“By: Prof. Benjamin Okaba
President, Ijaw National Congress (INC)
“On behalf of the entire Ijaw Nation, both at home and in the diaspora, the Ijaw National Congress extends our warmest felicitations and heartfelt congratulations to our dear son, brother, and father, His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, as he marks another year of life and grace.
“Your birthday, Your Excellency, is not merely a personal milestone but a moment of collective celebration for our nation and, most profoundly, for the people of the Niger Delta. You remain a shining symbol of humility, intellectual depth, and unwavering faith, whose journey from the creek communities of the Niger Delta to the pinnacle of Nigerian leadership continues to inspire millions.
“We celebrate you today for the indelible marks you have left on the sands of time. Your tenure as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was distinguished by a profound commitment to democratic ethos, exemplified by your historic act of statesmanship in 2015—an action that profoundly stabilized our nation’s polity and earned you global acclaim as a champion of peace and democracy.
“Your legacy of “One Nigeria,” built on the pillars of unity, inclusivity, and the promotion of national discourse, remains a benchmark for true leadership. Even out of office, you have continued to serve as a beacon of hope, a mediator on the continental stage, and a mentor to a generation of emerging leaders.
“Dr. Jonathan, you are truly a son of destiny, who has proven that greatness is not in the noise one makes, but in the peace one fosters, the lives one touches, and the dignity one upholds.
“As you celebrate today, we pray that the Almighty God continues to bless you with robust health, enduring wisdom, and boundless joy. May He grant you many more fruitful years to continue your invaluable service to humanity.
“Happy Birthday, Mr. President!
“Long live Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan!
Long live the Ijaw Nation!!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!”
The Congress prayed for God’s continued guidance, good health, and long life for the former President, noting that his wisdom and moral strength remain invaluable to Nigeria and the African continent. As the Ijaw Nation joins millions across the world to celebrate Dr. Jonathan, the INC, reaffirmed its pride in his achievements and its unwavering support for his ongoing contributions to peacebuiliding and global leadership.