Former President Goodluck Jonathan has cautioned that politics should not be turned into a playground for unruly behaviour.
Jonathan said this on Thursday at the 10th anniversary dinner of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, an event that also doubled as a celebration of his 68th birthday.
He warned that Nigeria’s democracy is being suffocated by reckless political behaviour, arguing that leadership must be anchored on responsibility, nation-building and restraint.
He stressed that preserving democratic stability demands civility and a genuine sense of accountability from all political actors.
Veritas Nexus reported that the event attracted a notable gathering of African statesmen, diplomats, political leaders, and business figures.
“Politics is not for rascals. It is for people who want to build, not destroy,” Jonathan said, warning that the rising tide of aggressive rhetoric and hostile political behaviour is weakening democratic resilience across the continent.
He reflected on the experience that inspired the creation of his foundation, noting that its work over the past decade has focused on diplomacy, governance reforms, peacebuilding, mediation and the strengthening of democratic institutions.
Jonathan also expressed concern over the recent wave of violent attacks and abductions across the country, calling on leaders at all levels to take their responsibility to citizens seriously by protecting lives and upholding the nation’s democratic order.
