Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that politics should not be reduced to a platform for unruly conduct.
Jonathan said this on Thursday at the 10th anniversary dinner of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, an event that also doubled as a celebration of his 68th birthday.
He cautioned that Nigeria’s democracy is being suffocated by reckless political behaviour, arguing that leadership must be anchored on responsibility, nation-building and restraint.
According to him, sustaining democratic stability requires civility and a genuine sense of accountability from all political actors.
The gathering brought together an impressive mix of African statesmen, diplomats, political leaders and business figures.
“Politics is not for rascals. It is for people who want to build, not destroy,” Jonathan said. He warned that the rising tide of aggressive rhetoric and hostile political behaviour is weakening democratic resilience across the continent.
He reflected on the experience that inspired the creation of his foundation, adding that its work over the past decade has focused on diplomacy, governance reforms, peacebuilding, mediation and the strengthening of democratic institutions.
Jonathan also decried the recent spate of violent attacks and abductions across the country, urging leaders at every level to take their responsibility to citizens more seriously and ensure the protection of lives while safeguarding the nation’s democratic order.
