Former President Goodluck Jonathan, has decried the recent spate of coups in Africa where civil governments are being overthrown, saying democracy in the continent needs to be rejigged and put in proper direction.
Jonathan spoke during Democracy Dialogue 2023 organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation with the theme: “Breaking New Grounds In The Democracy Development Nexus in Africa” held in Yenagoa, yesterday.
He expressed worry that in recent years, democracy in the continent has faced serious crisis, including the challenges of poverty and unemployment, which, according to him, has created a crisis of trust in the hearts of the citizens.
According to him, “democracy in the continent has gone through a period of crises that thrive by social tension, coup d’etat, insecurity and poor management of electoral process, which in itself is a threat to our democracy in Africa.
“Recently, we have experienced jubilations heralding the overthrown of civilian administrations in Africa, people jubilating military overthrowing civil administrations, such victory songs will not last long, but it shows that Africa needs to rejig her democracy.
“As leaders, we have the responsibilities to ensure that democracy endures by adhering to the rules of law, respecting the rights of the people, strengthening public institutions, ensuring that we implement policies that will impact positively on the lives of our people.”
He added, “I must sincerely appreciate the enthusiasm displayed by Bayelsans and other Nigerians for their contributions for the success of this event, your presence is the demonstration of your faith in our democracy and your determination to make contribution to proffer workable solution to the challenges of leadership in African continent.”
The former president pointed out that the theme of the dialogue underscored the fact that the people need to see democracy beyond elections and what happens after by the way of good governance.
In his welcome address, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, called on the international community to observe the November 11 governorship election in the state in order to protect the integrity of the process.
He said the decision to re-elect him or choose a governor for the state should be the people’s prerogative but, however, expressed concern that some of his opponents were resorting to violence, intimidation and brigandage to subvert the will of the people.
“On November 11 this year, Bayelsans will be going to the polls to elect a governor. I hope I have done enough to merit their endorsement for a second term. The decision should be theirs to make.
“Sadly, some of my opponents do not think the people of Bayelsa are entitled to that choice and are resorting to violence, intimidation and brigandage to subvert the will of the people. I am inviting you all back here to be observers of the process,” he said.
The governor noted that the introduction of armed non-state actors in political contests poses a greater threat to democracy than the military, noting that unless the people insist on building strong institutions capable of resisting the antics of strong men, more countries would be affected.
“The introduction of armed non-state actors in political contests poses a greater threat to our democracy than the military. And unless we insist on building strong institutions capable of resisting the antics of strong men, more and more countries will be infected.
“The antidote is the rise of accountable leaders, vibrant civil societies, and engaged citizenry who shape their own destinies and demand transparency, justice, and equal opportunities.”
The governor said the timing of the conference could not have come at a better time in view of what he described as “recent epidemic of military takeovers in the sub-region, which have woken us rudely from our sweet dreams that Africa has come a long way from an era marked by oppressive regimes and limited civic participation.”
According to him, “the re-emergence of this malady should be a source of concern for all of us. We as politicians and the chief drivers of the democratic culture cannot completely absolve ourselves in this matter. Because we inadvertently create the environment for such behaviour.”
In his keynote address, a former director of the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission and the Kenya School of Law, Prof Patrick Lumumba, suggested that Africans should look inward to solve their problems, adding that the sit-tight African leaders were responsible for the frequent coups in the continent.
In his remarks, the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko, Ogiame Atuwatse III, who was the royal father of the day, urged those that carry symbol of authority, be it crown or constitutional seal, to always carry the interest of the people they govern along in their actions and policies.
He said why the black man is not respected across the world no matter his social and academic attainment is that the world has not yet found a black nation that is excellent.
Also speaking, President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Dr Omar Touray, blamed the lack of development in Africa on weak institutions that have failed to hold leaders accountable.
In her goodwill message, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, called for strengthening of democratic institutions through inclusiveness of women, youths and the vulnerable in the society.
The panel discussants were former president of Sierra Leone, Bai Koroma; former Vice President of the Gambia, Fatuomata Tambajang; Prof Ibaba Samuel Ibaba and Amb. Joe Keshi among others
Dignitaries at the event included former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan; Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki; Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; deputy governors of Oyo and Bauchi states, serving and former national and state lawmakers, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, King Bubaraye Dakolo, King Joshua Igbugburu among other traditional rulers.