Bola Tinubu has been urged by former president Goodluck Jonathan to confront the harmful “do or die” politics that he fears could undermine Nigeria’s democratic accomplishments.
Jonathan stressed the value of building a more inclusive and cohesive democratic system in his speech, which he gave at a symposium honouring 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria.
He emphasised that inclusiveness and social cohesion should be the cornerstones of Nigeria’s democracy rather than divisions based on geography or religion.
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Jonathan also asked Tinubu to improve opportunity, education, and infrastructure for all Nigerians in order to build on the gains of the previous 25 years.
“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 said.
Jonathan also underlined the need for the political class to lead by example by making sure that all Nigerians, regardless of social class or economic standing, benefit from democracy.
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Jonathan advised against adopting a “winner takes all” strategy. Rather, he advocated for a system in which everyone is involved, even in the event of a loss.
He added: “So for Shettima, 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 Bola Tinubu who was a key actor in the June 12 crisis, will have the capacity to navigate through that process.”
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Kashim Shettima and other dignitaries attended the symposium.
It commemorated Nigeria’s 25 years of democratic government.
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