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 yesterday, at a public lecture marking Nigerias celebration of 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, which was held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.
According to him, 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, saying their lifestyle must reflect that they were elected to the position by the electorate. He emphasised 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 emohasised.
He advocated for a model of democratic practice that would be more inclusive and reinforce social cohesion.
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.
Former Secretary to Government of the Federation and running mate to the Late MKO Abiola, winner of the annulled June 12 presidential election, Babagana Kingibe, 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.
Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, commended Tinubu for providing leadership for democracy to strive in Nigeria.
Recall that the Nigerian government declared every June 12, which is today, a public holiday to mark successful years of democracy in the country.
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