Time Magazine has listed President Goodluck Jonathan as one of the 100 Most Influential Persons in the World.
Jonathan is the only African leader named on the list which was published on Wednesday.
The citation on Jonathan, written by the President of Liberia, Johnson Sirleaf, noted that, “Jonathan exemplifies the African political renaissance at a time when the people of the continent are starting to reap the fruit of their resources and their hard work. “
She wrote: “President Jonathan, 54, possesses the qualities needed at this moment of great challenges, having come to power at a crucial moment in the history of Nigeria. The country has grown out of its past of corruption, mismanagement and brutality, but the foundation of good governance is still fragile.
“In two short years, President Jonathan has shown the same dexterity he demonstrated as governor of Bayelsa, the same ability to find the remedies to the many complexities of running a nascent democracy. He has spearheaded the fight against corruption and turned Nigeria into an example of good governance. He has also made a significant impact on consolidating peace and security in West Africa.
“From the onset of our own crisis, Liberia has benefitted from the support of Nigeria. President Jonathan not only upheld the trend but added to it. With leaders like President Jonathan, Africa is sure to move toward prosperity, freedom and dignity for all of its people.”
The list also includes United States President Barrack Obama; U.S Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton; American billionaire, Warren Buffet; German chancellor, Angela Merkel; President of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde; Iran’s spiritual leader, Ayatollah Khamenei; Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu; footballer, Lionel Messi; Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff; new North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un; Syrian President Bashar Assad; American Republican presidential candidates, Mitt Romney, Ron Paul; pop star, Rihanna; fashion designer, Sarah Burton; and Chinese heir apparent, Xi Jinping.
The list was chosen through voting by Time readers from around the world.
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