- Jonathan says Nigeria’s political space is drifting into rascality and losing discipline
- Ex-president insists leadership requires training, preparation and responsibility
- Shettima hails Jonathan’s 2015 concession as a defining moment for Nigeria
- Speakers praise Goodluck Jonathan Foundation for decade of peacebuilding
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has warned that Nigeria’s politics is increasingly being overtaken by rascality, stressing that the country cannot progress when leadership is treated as an all-comers arena rather than a responsibility requiring discipline, training and national interest.
Jonathan, who spoke during the 10th anniversary of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation and a gala dinner marking his 68th birthday, lamented that politics has become the only field in Nigeria where people rise to leadership without any form of preparation or grounding. He said leadership should never be handed to individuals with no training, no track record and no sense of duty, noting that such trends are harming governance.
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He argued that even primary school teachers undergo proper training before entering the classroom, yet people with no leadership background wake up one morning as politicians and the next day emerge as governors. According to him, this absence of structure has deepened irresponsibility in public office, adding that politics must be reclaimed by responsible people who understand its weight.
Jonathan also explained that he has maintained neutrality due to his commitment to the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation and the West Africa Elders Forum, noting that he cannot return to partisan politics while holding such roles. He emphasised that any return to active politics would require him to resign from continental mediation platforms.
Representing President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima praised Jonathan’s decision to concede defeat in 2015, describing it as the highest point of his presidency and one of the most important acts in Nigeria’s democratic history. He said Jonathan’s calm leadership during that tense moment prevented national chaos and proved that the country is bigger than any individual.
Shettima noted that Jonathan’s conduct after leaving office, focusing on peacebuilding, democracy and conflict mediation across Africa has earned him global respect and placed him among the continent’s most influential statesmen.
Delivering the keynote address, former ECOWAS President Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas highlighted the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation’s decade-long impact, praising its role in promoting stability, mediation and democratic resilience across West Africa. He said the West Africa Elders Forum has quietly shaped peaceful elections in countries such as Sierra Leone, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal and others through nonpartisan interventions.
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Former Minister Tanimu Turaki described the Foundation as one of Africa’s leading voices on governance, peace and security, stating that its contributions to dialogue, conflict mediation and institutional strengthening reflect values crucial for a stable society.
Executive Director Ann Iyonu said the 10-year milestone represents resilience and purpose, noting that the Foundation has spent the last decade advancing democratic accountability, election monitoring, peace missions and policy advocacy across Africa.
