By Ogaga Ariemu Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan has said Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu mu...
By Ogaga Ariemu
Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan has said
Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must do everything
within its powers to address factors fueling do-or-die politics in the country.
Jonathan disclosed this on Tuesday at a Public Lecture
marking Nigeria’s celebration of 25 years of uninterrupted democratic
governance held at the State House conference centre in Abuja.
He explained that the political elite and the masses should
phase out the region, religion and other factors propelling politics of
bitterness.
He urged urged President Tinubu, to encourage a democracy
where all citizens are given free will to express themselves without friction.
Jonathan argued that the political class and elites must
lead by example and their lifestyle must reflect that they were elected to the
position by the electorate.
He emphasized the need to ensure that the dividends of
democracy are felt by all Nigerians, regardless of economic status or social
class.
According to him, a situation where children of political
officeholders are seen spraying dollars at parties is not the democracy
Nigerians want to witness.
He said the current situation where a winner in an election
takes it all, is not healthy for Nigeria and promotes rancour.
“Together, let us build a Nigeria where every citizen has a
voice, where opportunities abound, where the promise of a better tomorrow is
not just a dream.
“We must not hand over to our children a democracy built on
politics of region or religion.
“The National Assembly can also look at models that will
suit us. We must address the factors that give rise to this Do or Die politics.
It is inimical to consolidating democracy,” he said.
He advocated for a model of democratic practice that would
be more inclusive and reinforce social cohesion.
“If a political party, for example, gets 30 percent of votes
during an election, either national or sub-national level, the party should
have something to go home with,” he said.
On his part, President Bola Tinubu represented by Vice
President Kashim Shettima said June 12 is not just a day of remembrance but a
call to action for all Nigerians to stand firmly behind democracy.
“As we celebrate our past we look to the future with a clear
and determined vision. Today is not just a day of remembrance, it is a call to
action.
“In the fullness of time, posterity will be kind to
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”, he said.
Babagana Kingibe, former Secretary to Government of the
Federation and running mate to the late MKO Abiola, winner of the annulled June
12 presidential election said Democracy is providing Nigerians stable
leadership and freedom of expression.
According to him, Nigerians have concluded that the worst
civilian government is better than the best military governance.
Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on
Policy and Coordination commended Tinubu for providing leadership for democracy
to strive in Nigeria.
Recall that the Nigerian government declared June 12
Wednesday, a Public Holiday to mark successful years of democracy.
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