Rejig democracy in Africa to stave-off coup, Goodluck Jonathan advises
Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan has rejigging of democracy in Africa in order to stave-off the current spate of coup in the continent.
He made this view known while speaking in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, on “Breaking New Grounds in the Democracy Development Nexus in Africa”, during a Democracy Dialogue organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF), the former President said Africans no longer trust democracy because it has caused serious crisis in recent years.
“Leadership is supposed to work to ensure that democracy is translated to economic well-being, explaining that democracy should be able to encourage development.
“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.
“In recent years, democracy in the continent has caused serious crisis, the challenges of poverty and unemployment has created a crisis of trust in the hearts of of our citizens.
“As leaders, we have the responsibilities to ensure that democracy endures by adhering to the 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 said.
Jonathan added that the annual democracy dialogue is an initiative of the GJF which brings together stakeholders across Africa to critically examine the issue of democracy, interrogate the practice in Africa, and make suggestions where necessary.
He said, “that is why we selected people from across Africa that have experience on such issues, the dialogue does not target any nation, the focus is to mobilise effective communication to remind and set agenda for the political development of the continent.
“I must sincerely appreciate the enthusiasm of the people of Bayelsa 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.”
Also speaking, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse, who was the royal father of the day during the dialogue, urged those who “carry symbols of authority, be it crown or constitutional seal to always carry the people they govern along in their actions and policies.”
Prof Patrick Lumumba, the first prime minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (June–September 1960), delivered an address on the topic: “Making Democracy Work in Africa”, while other prominent African leaders including Dr Omar Alieu Touray, President of ECOWAS Commission will also speak during the panel discussion.
