Former Nigerian president, Goodluck Jonathan, has advised that the prevailing selfish approach to politics in Nigeria is consequential to political justice and unity across the nation.
He spoke as chairman of a national symposium to mark Democracy Day at the Presidential Villa, highlighting the need for a more politically inclusive system.
The symposium which brought together prominent figures and political leaders was held to mark Democracy Day.
In his address, Jonathan criticized the negativity in the Nigerian political scene, urging the National Assembly to work out a formula that would ensure parties that score a certain percentage of votes in an election are included in governance.
According to him, that’s the only way to establish political unity and justice.
Additionally, former President Jonathan charged President Tinubu to safeguard the politics of the next coming years to be more inclusive and accountable, emphasizing that the 25 years of unbroken democracy is worth celebrating.
“Let us ensure the next 25 years of our democracy are even more transformative and inclusive and more prosperous for all of us.
“In line with the wordings of our National Anthem, ‘To handover to our children a banner without stain’, we must not handover to our children a democracy built on politics of region and religion. Democracy built on ethnicity does not endure. It will continue to wobble.
“So, for the vice president, you are also representing the president. For me, we are hoping you will build more infrastructure for us, improve the quality of education, health facilities, etc, etc.
“But one key thing that for the next 25 years, you will midwife, because you are starting the next 25 years, is to build a democracy that will reduce friction.
“The avalanche of litigation that follows every round of election in Nigeria is very embarrassing. And because of the kind of democracy we practice, democracy built on all kinds of sentiments, either the way you worship your God or from the map of the country you come from. You people have to gradually make sure that in the next 25 years, this is diluted if we must have a solid and enduring democracy.
“And I know you and President Bola Tinubu who was a key actor in the June 12 crisis will have the capacity to navigate through that process.
“I believe this programme and others commemorating this landmark will point the way to that glorious vision, and prepare the nation for a golden time centenary celebration of enduring democracy.
“In the last 25 years, we have made modest progress in this regard amid some challenges. As a nation, we built an economy that was once the biggest in the African continent, experienced significant infrastructural growth, made strides in the arts and sports, and recorded many peaceful political transitions at the national and sub-national levels.
“Democracy has also brought about improved access to governance, amplified silent voices and reinforced the idea of sovereignty.
“Whenever I tune in to Nigerian TV stations, especially in the morning and see young men and women discussing and interrogating contemporary political issues and holding leaders to account, I thank God for democracy and appreciate the gains we have made over the years.
“Today, citizens have come to terms with the idea of representative governance, as they have over the years expressed their power to choose their leaders and demand accountable leadership and good governance.
“Our civic space has largely flourished, with a vibrant civil society community, increased media freedom and an active press.
“Our journey to democratic consolidation has not been an easy one. It has been a mixed bag of gains and losses, progress and pain, within these 25 years. We have continued to deal with the issues of insecurity, social inequality, unemployment as well as electoral disputes and violence.
Despite the challenges associated with democracy, the general feeling is that citizens prefer democracy to any other form of government.
“As a nation, our resolve has been challenged many times, but through shared faith and unity, we have continued to march on.” He said.
He further celebrated the journey of the country’s democracy, encouraging Nigerians to continue nation building.
“We must underscore the fact that democracy is a journey and not a destination. Our democracy, though still young, has weathered storms, overcome challenges and proven its endurance. It has become a beacon of hope, not just for our nation, but for the entire African continent.
“In these 25 years, through four power transitions from one president to another including the death of a sitting president, we have seen the gradual strengthening of our democratic institutions, the expansion of civil liberties, and the active participation of our citizenry in the political process. This progress, while commendable, also reminds us that our work is far from done.
“It is, therefore, time to make this journey seamless, through good citizenship, patriotic service as well as sacrificial and exemplary stewardship.
“We must continue to build upon the foundations laid, deepen our democratic roots, and ensure the dividends of democracy are felt by all Nigerians, regardless of their social, economic or geographic status.
“For democracy to yield its desired dividends, the political class and elite must lead by example and work with unity of purpose to guarantee peace and social justice to the citizens.
“We must work together despite our political differences, accommodate our diversity and prioritise policies that will impact the lives of our citizens.
“As we project towards celebrating the golden jubilee of our uninterrupted democracy, it is imperative to state that we need to work assiduously towards further strengthening state institutions so that they can withstand the shocks that threaten democratic governance.
“Democracy, as a form of government, is anchored on sets of promises in line with a nation’s development and growth aspirations. The fulfilment of these promises reinforces the citizens’ trust and faith in the government.
“As we celebrate 25 years of unbroken democracy, we look to the future with the hope that democracy has come to stay and that democracy will continue to take firm roots in our nation, and we will have cause to celebrate a centenary of uninterrupted democratic governance.
“To attain such a feat, the political actors and everyone at the helm of affairs in this country must listen to the voices of the citizens. The lifestyle of the political class should reflect the current realities in our land.” He said.
saharandaily