Former President Goodluck Jonathan has cautioned politicians that while engaging in politics, they must put national interest ahead of party loyalty and sectional considerations, stating that Nigeria is greater than any political party and politician in the country.
According to Jonathan, politicians must recognize that politics can only be practiced when Nigeria is peaceful, emphasizing that the country is bigger than the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), the Action Democratic Congress (ADC), and other political parties.
Speaking yesterday at the 5th National Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria in Abuja, the former president, who called for national unity, stronger democratic institutions, and greater commitment to good governance, said that former deputy governors have a responsibility to apply their experience in order to promote national development.
The conference, which runs from October 20 to 21, is themed “Rethinking Nation-Building: Bridging the Leadership-Citizen Disconnect Through Orientation, Attitude, Character, Culture, and Tradition Towards Sustainable Development.”
Jonathan, who was represented by a former Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Bala Ngilari, cautioned that ethnic, religious, and regional divisions continue to pose major obstacles to Nigeria’s political development, while also reminding everyone that political office is temporary, but its consequences can shape generations, which makes it essential for former public office holders to guide emerging leaders on integrity, accountability, and responsible leadership.
He voiced optimism about Nigeria’s future, pointing to the resilience and creativity of its people, especially young Nigerians, who he said need opportunities to work, innovate, and prosper.
He said, “One major obstacle to Nigeria’s political development is division along ethnic, religious, and regional lines. We must rise above these differences and promote politics founded on competence, integrity, inclusion, and national interest.
“Nigeria must always be greater than any political party, individual, or sectional interest.”
The former president, who served as deputy governor and governor of Bayelsa State before becoming vice president and then president of the country, observed that his experience had taught him the value of consultation, teamwork, and strong institutions; he also called on former deputy governors to foster cordial relationships between serving governors and their deputies, mentor younger politicians, and discourage divisive politics.
Jonathan said, “As a former deputy governor and governor of Bayelsa State before becoming vice president and subsequently president of Nigeria, I understand the opportunities and challenges associated with the office of deputy governor.
“The experience teaches patience, loyalty, consultation, and teamwork. Above all, it reminds us that governance is not about one individual but about strong institutions and service to the people.”
Earlier in his remarks, Dr. Chris Alozie Akomas, the National Chairman of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN), called on political leaders to set aside arrogance and embrace accountability, cautioning that power without character is destructive and governance without empathy is hollow.
Akomas, who pointed to the growing divide between political leaders and citizens as a major barrier to Nigeria’s development, said sustainable development cannot be achieved through policies, budgets, and administrative reforms alone without a fundamental shift in the attitudes, values, and conduct of those entrusted with public responsibility.
According to Akomas, the disconnect between leaders and the people they govern has spread across government institutions, communities, and families, undermining the collective effort required to build a prosperous nation.
“We cannot build a lasting future on a foundation of indifference,” he said.
The former deputy governor, who insisted that leadership should be judged by dedication to serving the people—especially the vulnerable—rather than by the privileges and influence that come with public office, said, “Leadership is not a badge of immunity; it is a higher standard of accountability,” as he called on public officeholders to replace arrogance with humility and responsibility.
“Power without character is destructive, while governance without empathy is an empty shell.”
Akomas, who noted that Nigeria’s development challenges required more than new laws and government programs, stressed that national renewal must begin with integrity, ethical conduct, and a commitment to the common good, while warning that public trust would remain elusive if leaders continued to ignore the everyday struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
The FFDGN chairman also warned against placing the entire responsibility for national renewal on government officials, maintaining that citizens had an equally important role in restoring the country’s values.
“A nation is never rescued by its government alone; it is also sustained by the conscience of its people,” he said.
