Former President Goodluck Jonathan cautioned Thursday that Nigeria’s democracy was being ‘suffocated’ by reckless political behavior, emphasizing that politics should never be turned into a playground for disruptive behavior.
His statement comes as President Bola Tinubu said that former President Goodluck Jonathan was responsible for the survival of democracy in Nigeria.
Jonathan also stated that no government can function without the collaboration of its people, and no people can progress without a government that listens and leads clearly.
He argued that leadership should be based on accountability, nation-building, and temperance.
He stated that maintaining democratic stability necessitates civility and a genuine feeling of accountability among all political participants.
Jonathan addressed the 10th anniversary dinner of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in Abuja, which also served as a commemoration of his 68th birthday.
The gathering brought together a diverse group of African politicians, diplomats, political leaders, and business leaders.
“Politics is not for rascals.” “It is for people who want to build, not destroy,” Jonathan added, warning that the rising tide of aggressive rhetoric and antagonistic political behavior was eroding democratic resilience across the continent.
He reminisced on the experience that prompted the establishment of his foundation, emphasizing that its work over the last decade has centered on diplomacy, governance reforms, peacebuilding, mediation, and the strengthening of democratic institutions.
Jonathan also decried the recent surge in violent attacks and abductions around the country, calling on officials at all levels to take their responsibilities to citizens more seriously and secure the protection of lives while upholding the nation’s democratic order.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing Tinubu, paid glowing tribute to Jonathan.
He hailed Jonathan’s 2015 acceptance of defeat as a watershed point in his presidency, one that spared Nigeria from a disaster.
“The highest point of the Jonathan legacy was when he courageously conceded defeat and saved the nation from a precipice,” Shettima said.
He went on to say that Nigeria’s democracy has survived in large part due to leaders like Jonathan, who continuously prioritize national interests over personal ambition.
According to him, Jonathan’s statesmanship after leaving office has earned him a place among Africa’s most recognized democratic officials, while the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation has established itself as a model for post-office service and peace leadership across the continent.
“Our democracy has survived turbulent election seasons because leaders like former President Jonathan understand that the Nigerian state is bigger than any individual,” he added.
Shettima communicated Tinubu’s goodwill and stated that Jonathan’s actions since leaving office illustrate that public service does not end when official obligations are completed.
Taminu Turaki, the newly elected PDP national chairman and former minister of special duties, spoke highly of the foundation’s impact.
He regarded it as one of the continent’s most reputable institutions for peacekeeping, mediation, conflict resolution, and democratic strengthening.
“We have watched with keen interest the activities of the foundation from its inception to date. And we’ve seen how this foundation has now grown up to be one of the most respected foundations in Africa,” Turaki said.
