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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.
By Divine Perezide
WARRI — IduwiniVoice, a prominent Niger Delta media organisation, has congratulated Chief Ambassador Sheriff Mulade (PhD) on his emergence as the National Treasurer of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), following the congress’ national elections held on April 13, 2026.
In a statement issued by the Chief Executive Officer of the media outfit, Prince (Dr.) Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie, the organisation described Mulade’s victory as a deserving outcome, reflecting years of dedication to peacebuilding, unity, and development within the Ijaw nation.
Mulade, who also serves as the National President of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), secured the treasurer position in a closely contested election that attracted wide interest across the Niger Delta.
The statement highlighted his reputation as a respected leader and advocate for peace, noting that his emergence comes at a crucial period when the INC requires experienced and forward-thinking leadership to navigate evolving challenges.
IduwiniVoice expressed confidence in Mulade’s ability to manage the financial affairs of the congress effectively, citing his longstanding commitment to accountability, transparency, and responsible resource management as key strengths.
According to the organisation, his election represents not just personal success, but a broader endorsement of credible leadership and sustainable development ideals within Ijawland.
The media house further urged the newly elected treasurer to remain committed to service and to leverage his position in advancing the collective interests and welfare of Ijaw communities.
It also called on stakeholders across the region to rally support for the new leadership of the INC, stressing the importance of unity in strengthening the congress and enhancing its role in championing the socio-cultural and political aspirations of the Ijaw people.
Observers have described Mulade’s emergence as a significant development in the affairs of the INC, expressing optimism that the new leadership will steer the organisation towards greater impact and relevance.
IduwiniVoice concluded by extending its best wishes to the new treasurer, expressing hope for a successful and impactful tenure.
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Amatu-1 Community Declares Total Support, Appeals to Tantita for Increased Employment Opportunities
By Favour Bibaikefie
Amatu 1 Community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has formally appealed to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited to increase employment opportunities for its youths, women, and elders, citing its strategic role as a major host community to critical oil and gas infrastructure.
In a letter dated February 14, 2026, and addressed to the Chairman/CEO of Tantita, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), and the Managing Director, High Chief Kestin Pondi, the community expressed appreciation for the company’s efforts in safeguarding oil facilities and curbing illegal activities in the Niger Delta and declared that nobody else could have done the job better.
The letter, signed by community leaders including Chairman Independence Neyin and Secretary Christopher Tuerede, acknowledged that Tantita’s operations have contributed significantly to the protection of the environment and preservation of livelihoods in the region.
However, the community raised concerns over what it described as marginalisation in the allocation of employment slots, despite hosting key oil assets such as the EA/EJA Oil Field and the Dodo River (OML 86 and 88), located within close proximity to the community.
According to the community, a major gas pipeline linking the Tunu Node Flow Station to the EA/EJA Oil Field passes through Amatu 1 territory, a factor they said should ordinarily qualify them as a priority for local employment in pipeline surveillance operations.
The community further noted that at least five newly discovered oil wells exist within its territory, alongside several pipelines, some of which are currently subjects of dispute.
Amatu-1 conmunity, the ancestral headquarters of the Iduwini Kingdom and the throne residence of the Grand Pere, HRM Ambassador Dr. Joel Ibane (J), Ogiobo IX, said they feel bad that neighbouring communities had benefitted more from Tantita job allocations.
“It is deeply unfair that while neighbouring communities have received a significant number of job slots, including positions for Generals and Coordinators, Amatu 1 was allocated only 10 slots out of hundreds of capable youths,” the letter stated.
The letter further revealed that youths of the community currently shoulder the responsibility of providing security for the royal palace without remuneration, even as those of other kingdoms nearby enjoy paid positions under the surveillance contract.
While reiterating its peaceful disposition, the community stressed that its appeal was not borne out of agitation but a call for Tompolo’s kind consideration.
“We are not condemning Tantita or anyone. We only seek for a better treatment,” the letter noted, adding that the people of Amatu-1 remain law-abiding and committed to the the President Tinubu and Tantita’s drive for peace and stability of the Niger Delta region.
The community appealed for the employment of at least 400 qualified indigenes—both male and female—into Tantita Security Services, in recognition of its status as a primary host community and royal headquarters of the Iduwini Kingdom.
They also called on notable leaders like the Grand Pere of Iduwini Kingdom and the Amananawei of Amatu 1 Community to support and facilitate the request.
The appeal, observers say, underscores ongoing concerns among host communities in the Niger Delta over favourable distribution of opportunities in oil-related security engagements, even as stakeholders continue to emphasise the need for Tantita’s contract to not only be renewed, but expanded.
By Favour Bibaikefie
The family of the late Mama Ayenuwa Onitsha Iyalagha has extended heartfelt appreciation to individuals and groups who showed support during the burial ceremony of their beloved matriarch.
In a statement signed by Elder Simeon T. O. Iyalagha on behalf of the children and family, the family expressed deep gratitude to their extended families, relatives, community members, quarters, compounds, in-laws, friends, colleagues, well-wishers, and the general public for their overwhelming love, solidarity, and participation throughout the period of mourning.
The statement noted that the outpouring of support received before, during, and after the burial ceremony was both comforting and encouraging to the family in their time of grief.
The family also specially acknowledged the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, for his support and presence accompanied by a large number of family and friends, describing his gesture as deeply appreciated.
They prayed that God would richly bless and reward all those who stood by them, adding that their kindness would not be forgotten.
“We are truly grateful for the show of love and support,” the statement concluded.