Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, says other parts of Nigeria have something to learn about the management of ethnic and religious diversity from the South- West.
Jonathan blamed Nigeria’s current problems on her failure to properly manage its diversity in a way that minorities would have a sense of belonging.
He stated this in his address at the 13th Joe-Kyari Gadzama Public Lecture with the theme: ‘Redefining Democracy: Yearnings of the Minority in a Democratic Setting,’ which was held virtually.
According to the former president, “That is the only part of Nigeria where we feel has been able to manage religion and development very well.
“So, we must look at our own unique circumstances and come up with the right form of government.”
He said he honoured the invitation to the event out of respect he has for the host, Mr. Joe-Kyari Gadzama (SAN), and the rule of law.
Jonathan stated that in the case of Nigeria, the complications associated with the marginalisation of minority groups and tribes were identified decades ago, adding that efforts were made across generations to solve the problems.
The former president stated that the setting up of the Willinks Commission by the colonial government was one of such efforts.
He expressed sadness that although the Federal Character Commission was established as part of efforts to address the issue of marginalisation, it was yet to fully achieve its set objective.
Jonathan said, “The Federal Character Commission over many decades may have been doing its best to give everyone fair representation and a fair sense of belonging, but there are still many who feel that this agency of government has not fully addressed the challenges of accommodating minorities.”