Former president, Goodluck Jonathan, has advised President Bola Tinubu to build a democracy that is devoid of friction in Nigeria.
Jonathan gave this piece of advice on Tuesday at a one-day symposium held at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja to celebrate 25 years of unbroken democracy in Nigeria.
He noted that the zero-sum type of politics, where a winner takes it all, does not foster political justice and that the country needs a democracy where all citizens are given free will to express themselves without friction.
“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,” Jonathan said.
“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.”
According to the former President, Tinubu has the responsibility of ensuring that the next 25 years of democracy in Nigeria, starts on a good note.
Jonathan also admonished the Vice President, Kassim Shettima, saying that Nigerians are hoping he and Tinubu would build more infrastructure for them, improve the quality of education, facilities, etc.
“One key thing also is that, for the next 25 years, you will need to build a democracy that will reduce friction,” the former Bayelsa state governor said.
“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.
“I know you and President Bola Tinubu, who was a key actor in the June 12 crisis, will have the capacity to navigate through that process.”
President Tinubu will, meanwhile, address the nation in a broadcast on the occasion of Democracy Day at 7am on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.
This was announced on Tuesday in a statement by spokesman to the President, Ajuri Ngelale.
“Television, radio, and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to plug in to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) for the broadcast.
The Federal Government has also declared Wednesday as a public holiday to commemorate this year’s democracy day.
