Goodluck Jonathan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Goodluck Jonathan
GCFR GCON
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Jonathan at the World Economic Forum in 2013
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| 14th President of Nigeria | |
| In office 6 May 2010 – 29 May 2015 Acting: 9 February 2010 – 6 May 2010 |
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| Vice President | Namadi Sambo |
| Preceded by | Umaru Yar'Adua |
| Succeeded by | Muhammadu Buhari |
| 12th Vice President of Nigeria | |
| In office 29 May 2007 – 6 May 2010 |
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| President | Umaru Yar'Adua |
| Preceded by | Atiku Abubakar |
| Succeeded by | Namadi Sambo |
| 6th Governor of Bayelsa | |
| In office 9 December 2005 – 29 May 2007 |
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| Preceded by | Diepreye Alamieyeseigha |
| Succeeded by | Timipre Sylva |
| Deputy Governor of Bayelsa | |
| In office 29 May 1999 – 9 December 2005 |
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| Governor | Diepreye Alamieyeseigha |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan
20 November 1957 Ogbia, Eastern Region, British Nigeria (now Ogbia, Bayelsa State, Nigeria) |
| Political party | Peoples Democratic Party |
| Spouse | Patience Jonathan |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Doctor of Philosophy degree in Zoology |
| Alma mater | University of Port Harcourt |
| Occupation | Politician |
Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan (born 20 November 1957) is a Nigerian politician. He served as the president of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015. He was the first president in Nigerian history to accept defeat in an election. This allowed for a peaceful transition of power.
Before becoming president, Jonathan was the vice president of Nigeria from 2007 to 2010. He worked under President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua. He also served in Bayelsa State as governor from 2005 to 2007. Before that, he was the deputy governor from 1999 to 2005.
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Early Life and Education
Goodluck Jonathan was born on 20 November 1957 in Ogbia. His family were Christian Ijaw canoe makers. His father, Lawrence Ebele Jonathan, made canoes. His mother, Eunice Ayi Ebele Jonathan, was a farmer. He went to Christian primary and secondary schools.
Jonathan studied at the University of Port Harcourt. He earned a bachelor's degree in zoology. He also got a master's degree in hydrobiology and fisheries biology. Later, he received a doctorate in zoology. From 1983 to 1993, he taught at Rivers State College of Education.
Journey to Presidency
Before entering politics in 1998, Jonathan worked as an education inspector. He was also a lecturer and an environmental-protection officer. His political journey began with the People's Democratic Party (PDP).
Jonathan became active in politics after General Sani Abacha passed away. Abacha had been Nigeria's military head of state. In 1999, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha ran for governor of Bayelsa State. He chose Jonathan as his running mate. Alamieyeseigha won, and Jonathan became the first civilian deputy governor of Bayelsa State in May 1999. They were reelected in 2003.
Becoming Governor
On 29 May 1999, Jonathan became deputy governor of Bayelsa. He served with Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha. Jonathan was deputy governor until December 2005. On 9 December 2005, Jonathan became the governor of Bayelsa State. This happened after Governor Alamieyeseigha was removed from office.
Serving as Vice President
As Vice President, Jonathan kept a low profile. He followed the rules for the Vice President's role. He attended cabinet meetings. He was also a member of important councils. These included the National Security Council and the National Economic Council.
Taking Over as President
On 9 February 2010, Jonathan became Acting President of Nigeria. This was because President Yar'Adua was away for medical treatment. On 6 May 2010, President Yar'Adua passed away. Jonathan was then sworn in as the official president of Nigeria. On 18 May 2010, the National Assembly approved Namadi Sambo as the new Vice President.
For the 2011 general election, Jonathan and Vice President Sambo campaigned across the country. They sought the nation's highest office. On 29 May 2011, Jonathan was sworn in as President again. He promised his government would focus on a "Transformation Agenda." He also said he would continue President Yar'Adua's plans. His main goals were fighting corruption, improving electricity, and reforming elections.
Time as President (2010–2015)
Economic Growth
Under Jonathan's leadership, Nigeria updated how it measured its economy. For the first time in over ten years, Nigeria became the largest economy in Africa. It surpassed South Africa and Egypt.
His government also oversaw the building of new railways. These included the Abuja-Kaduna railway. Many federal roads were also built or improved. Examples are the Lagos-Benin expressway and the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway. The Second Niger Bridge was also started to ease traffic on the old bridge. Airports across the country were improved. The Akanu Ibiam Airport in Enugu became an international airport. This connected the South-East region directly to other countries.
On 2 August 2010, Jonathan started his 'Roadmap for Power Sector Reform'. The main goal was to provide steady electricity in Nigeria. The national electricity provider, Power Holding Company of Nigeria, was divided into 15 private companies.
National Challenges
2010 Lead Poisoning Incident
In January 2013, Jonathan promised $4 million to help clean up villages affected by lead poisoning. This incident had caused the deaths of over 400 children.
2012 Fuel Subsidy Protests
On 1 January 2012, Jonathan's government announced a plan to stop fuel subsidies. This meant the price of fuel would go up. Many people protested and unions went on strike from 9–13 January 2012. Protesters asked Jonathan to resign. On 16 January, Jonathan announced a lower fuel price of 97 naira per litre.
The government then started a program called SURE-P. This program used money saved from the fuel price change. It was meant to build roads and bridges. It also aimed to improve maternal health. Experts had advised removing the subsidy. They said it was too expensive and stopped other important spending like education.
2014 National Conference
In March 2014, President Jonathan started the 2014 National Conference. This meeting brought together 492 delegates. They discussed important national issues.
2014 Ebola Outbreak
On 20 July 2014, a Liberian-American man arrived in Lagos, Nigeria, with Ebola. He died five days later. The Nigerian government quickly tracked everyone he had been in contact with. They also increased health checks at all entry points.
By 22 September 2014, the Nigerian health ministry announced that there were no more Ebola cases in Nigeria. The WHO confirmed that Nigeria had successfully stopped the outbreak.
2014 Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act
In January 2014, Jonathan signed a law called the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act. This law made gay relationships and marriages illegal. It also banned being part of gay groups. Penalties for breaking this law could be up to 14 years in prison. This law was controversial, but many Nigerians supported it.
Security Concerns
Jonathan's government faced criticism for not stopping insecurity. A major challenge was the October 2010 Independence Day bombing.
Boko Haram Attacks (2011-2015)
After Jonathan became president in May 2011, Boko Haram carried out several bombings. These attacks killed many people. In December 2011, Boko Haram attacked churches on Christmas Day.
In 2012, Boko Haram attacks continued. They were responsible for many deaths. In March 2012, a rescue attempt for two hostages failed. The hostages were killed.
In May 2013, Nigerian forces launched an attack against Boko Haram in Borno. The government declared a state of emergency in three northeastern states. Although there was initial success, Boko Haram regained strength. In July 2013, Boko Haram attacked a school in Yobe, killing 42 students.
In January 2014, Jonathan changed his military leaders. This was because they struggled to end the insurgency. On 14 April, over 200 schoolgirls were kidnapped from Chibok. Many protests called for the government to act. Jonathan initially denied the abduction. Later, he considered a prisoner exchange for the girls but then called it off.
In May 2014, two bombs exploded in Jos, killing at least 118 people. In November, Boko Haram bombed the city of Kano. By late 2014, Boko Haram took control of several towns in the North. The Nigerian government, with help from Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, fought back. They recaptured many areas.
Between 3 and 7 January 2015, Boko Haram attacked the town of Baga. They killed up to 2,000 people. This was one of their largest massacres. On 10 January 2015, a bomb attack in Maiduguri killed 19 people. On 25 January, Boko Haram launched a major attack on Maiduguri but was pushed back.
In late January 2015, a group of military forces from Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger began fighting Boko Haram. On 4 February 2015, the Chad Army killed over 200 Boko Haram fighters. On 7 March 2015, Boko Haram's leader, Abubakar Shekau, pledged loyalty to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
By April 2015, the Nigerian military had retaken most areas controlled by Boko Haram. Only the Sambisa Forest remained under their control. In May 2015, the military announced they had freed about 700 women from camps in Sambisa Forest.
2015 Election
Jonathan believed his opponent's popularity was exaggerated. He said in an interview that Nigerians would not make the mistake of voting for Buhari. He stated, "I may not be perfect as nobody is perfect. But I believe that come Saturday, the majority of Nigerian voters will choose me as the best candidate to lead the nation forward."
On 31 March 2015, Jonathan accepted that he had lost the election to Muhammadu Buhari. Buhari was sworn in as president on 29 May 2015. Jonathan said, "Nobody's ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian."
After the Presidency (2015–Present)
Since leaving office, Jonathan has continued to defend his time as president. In 2019, he became an honorary special advisor to the Bayelsa Education Trust Fund board. In June 2019, he was named chairperson of the International Summit Council for Peace. In July 2020, Jonathan was appointed a special envoy for ECOWAS. He led talks during the 2020 Malian protests.
2023 Elections
There were claims that Jonathan wanted to run for president again in the 2023 Nigerian presidential election. His supporters reportedly picked up a nomination form for him. However, his media aide, Ikechukwu Eze, denied these claims.
2023 Zimbabwean General Election
In 2023, Jonathan led a group from the African Union and COMESA for the 2023 Zimbabwean general election. On 25 August 2023, he gave a press briefing. He gave low ratings to Zimbabwe's electoral authority. This matched findings from another group, SADC.
Personal Life
Appearance
Jonathan is known for wearing his special fedora hat. This hat is commonly worn by people from the Niger Delta.
Family
Jonathan and his wife, Patience Jonathan, have two children.
Wealth
In 2007, Jonathan stated his assets were worth about ₦295,304,420. This was equal to about US$8,569,662 at that time.
Honours
National Honours
Nigeria:
Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR)
Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON)
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Foreign Honours
Namibia:
First Class of the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia mirabilis (22 March 2014)
Other Honours
- In 2013, Jonathan received the chieftaincy title of the Se lolia I of Wakirike Bese. His wife, Patience Jonathan, also received a title.
Images for kids
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Jonathan with US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama in 2014
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Outgoing President Jonathan in handshake with newly sworn in President Muhammadu Buhari at Eagle Square in Abuja, Nigeria, on 29 May 2015
See also
