Jonathan, African Leaders, Others Brainstorm On Democracy, Good Governance

Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, has again expressed dismay over the incessant military coup d’ etats in Africa.
He made his position known recently while speaking at the 2023 edition of the Goodluck Jonathan foundation annual Democracy Dialogue held in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
The erstwhile President, who is the Chairman and founder of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF), in his remarks, further said the GJF Annual Democracy Dialogue is an initiative that brings together stakeholders across Africa to examine issues of democracy and crisis in the continent towards proffering solutions.
“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.
“Though there’re countries which are not Democracies, but which are doing well, however, the general feelings of the people in those nations is that they see themselves as enslaved.
“The causes of military coups, I think, are bad governance, corruption and abuse of power. As a leader, you’re elected to make life meaningful to the citizens, the people.
“So, if as a leader, the people are still made to live in very harsh and cruel conditions, overtime, you see them calling for military interventions. We saw what happened in Niger Republic, Burkina Faso, etc”, Jonathan said.
He noted 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 keynote address, former Director of the Kenyan Law School and Human Rights Activist, 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.
The Royal Father of the day, the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko, Ogiame Atuwatse III, noted that the interest of the people should be paramount in whatever system of government that is adopted, whether traditional or democracy.
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.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa