Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged President Bola Tinubu to promote a democracy in which all individuals have the freedom to express themselves without tension.
He made the call on Tuesday at a one-day symposium commemorating Nigeria’s 25th anniversary of uninterrupted democracy, which was hosted at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.
Jonathan said, “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 noted that President Tinubu has the responsibility of ensuring that the next 25 years of democracy in Nigeria, starts on a good note.
He said, “So, for the honourable Vice President, we are hoping that you build more infrastructure for us, improve the quality of education, facilities, etc.
“One key thing also is that, for the next twenty-five years, you will need to build a democracy that will reduce friction.
“The number of litigations that follow every round of election in Nigeria is very disruptive. If we must have a solid and enduring democracy, this practice needs to be diluted, 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.”
Jonathan claimed that the political class and elites must set a good example and live their lives in accordance with the fact that they were elected by the people.
He highlighted the importance of ensuring that the benefits of democracy be felt by all Nigerians, regardless of economic level or social class.
According to him, the situation in which children of political officeholders are seen showering money at parties is not the type of democracy Nigerians want to see.
He stated that the existing situation, in which the winner of an election grabs everything, is unhealthy for Nigeria and breeds animosity.
Dr. Jonathan, the chairman of the event, which was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and other guests, emphasized the importance of developing a model of democratic practice that is more inclusive and fosters social cohesion.
He argued that zero-sum politics, in which the winner takes it all, does not promote political fairness.
“If a political party, for example, gets 30% of votes during an election, either national or sub-national level, the party should have something to go home with,” he added.