Former President Goodluck Jonathan Criticizes Government Institutions, Says “When a Thief Tells You to Go to Court, His Brother Is the Judge”
Former President Goodluck Jonathan Criticizes Government Institutions, Says “When a Thief Tells You to Go to Court, His Brother Is the Judge”
On Sunday, June 7, 2026, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan delivered a sharp critique of government institutions, accusing them of engaging in wrongdoing while directing citizens to seek redress in court.
He remarked: “We see government institutions doing the wrong thing and telling people to go to court. When a thief tells you to go to court, just know that his brother is the judge.”
Jonathan’s statement underscores long-standing concerns about judicial independence and institutional corruption in Nigeria.
His metaphor suggests that citizens often face compromised justice systems where accountability is undermined by entrenched relationships and systemic failures.
The comment has sparked debate among political observers, with some interpreting it as a call for reforms to strengthen transparency and restore public trust in governance.
Others view it as a broader critique of the rule of law and the challenges of ensuring impartiality in Nigeria’s courts.
