I Risked My Life for Niger Delta Peace – Jonathan
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has stated that he personally risked his life to restore peace to the
Niger Delta region during his administration.
Jonathan made the remark on Monday, July 20, 2026, while speaking at a high-level stakeholders’
meeting on regional development and security in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
He recalled the intense challenges his government faced in addressing militancy, oil theft, pipeline
vandalism, and underdevelopment in the oil-rich region.
Jonathan noted that he took bold and direct steps, including engaging with militant leaders in the
creeks, to broker peace and implement the amnesty programme, which significantly reduced violence
and restored relative stability.
“I risked my life for the peace of the Niger Delta. I went into the creeks and engaged directly with the
youths,” Jonathan said.
He expressed concern over the resurgence of oil theft, illegal refining, and insecurity in parts of the
region and called for renewed commitment from all stakeholders, federal and state governments,
traditional rulers, youth groups, and international oil companies, to sustain and build on the gains made
during his tenure (2010–2015).
Jonathan also used the platform to advocate for greater investment in infrastructure, education, skills
development, and economic diversification in the Niger Delta, stressing that sustainable peace could
only be achieved through genuine development and inclusive governance.
The meeting was attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, security chiefs, and representatives
of oil-producing states.
Many participants commended Jonathan’s frankness and his continued interest in the development of
the region.
Jonathan’s comments come at a time when the Niger Delta continues to grapple with security
challenges, environmental degradation, and agitation for resource control.
His remarks have sparked renewed discussions about the legacy of his administration’s Niger Delta
policies and the need for fresh approaches to address lingering issues in the region.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
