“In pursuance of my desire to encourage a reading culture in Nigeria which I have been committed to from my days as an active academic, I, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, will be presenting a book of my facebook interactions with Nigerians to the public,” the President announced on his official Facebook page on Wednesday.

He went on: “A few Nigerians who have also distinguished themselves in the literary field will also be on hand to perform public readings. My guest and I will also take and answer a limited number of questions. I want Nigerians reading again because when they read they know and it is not possible to mislead a people who know. So if you are in Lagos, Kaduna, Enugu or Port Harcourt and are free to spend a few hours talking about books and the social media, please join me and my guests on the 20th of December for the book presentation and reading.”

President Jonathan is perhaps the most active African President on facebook in recent times despite tight schedules at Aso Rock. GEJ as he always signs registered his first posting on June 28th 2010: “Today, in fulfillment of the promise I made at the 26th convocation of the University of Port Harcourt on Saturday, 15 May 2010, I have created a Facebook fan page to interact with Nigerians. As I said on that day, there is an unchallengeable power of good in the Nigerian nation and her youth and through this medium I want Nigerians to give me the privilege of relating with them without the trappings of office.”

Furthermore, GEJ has in some cases respond directly to some post directed at him. In one instance on July 4th 2010 the president posted for citizens to suggest better ways on how electricity power supply can be improved. On July 5th 2010, President Jonathan updated his page with this comment: “Again I spent time reading your comments and yesterday a youth named Toyin Dawodu indicated that he had an idea for a project that could deliver 4,000 MWs of electricity. I believe in the creativity and the spirit of innovation resident in our youth and I want to give Toyin Dawodu a chance to be heard. Toyin, someone from my office will make contact with you regarding your idea. I know I cannot attend to every comment or suggestion due to time constraints, but please do know that I read them and they influence my actions. GEJ.” he said.

GEJ has demonstrated he understands the Internet. The Nigerian President is among the new generation of African leaders who have embraced the Internet and used it well at their own advantage.