Former President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday warned that Nigeria’s democracy was being ‘suffocated’ by reckless political behaviour, cautioning that politics should never be reduced to a playground for unruly conduct. This came as President Bola Tinubu said that democracy was standing in Nigeria because of the likes of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Jonathan also said no government can succeed without the cooperation of its people, and no people can advance without a government that listens and leads with clarity.

He argued that leadership must be anchored on responsibility, nation-building and restraint. He said that sustaining democratic stability requires civility and a genuine sense of accountability from all political actors.

Jonathan spoke at the 10th anniversary dinner of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, in Abuja, an event that also doubled as a celebration of his 68th birthday.

The gathering brought together an impressive mix 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 was 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, medi-ation and the strengthening of democratic institutions.

Jonathan also lamented the recent spate of violent attacks and abductions across the country, urging leaders at every level to take their responsibility to citizens more seriously and ensure the protection of lives while safeguarding the nation’s democratic order.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Tinubu, paid glowing tribute to Jonathan. He described Jonathan’s 2015 concession of defeat as the defining moment of his presidency and a decision that saved Nigeria from plunging into crisis.

“The highest point of the Jonathan legacy was when he courageously conceded defeat and saved the nation from a precipice,” Shettima said

He added that Nigeria’s democracy has endured largely because of leaders like Jonathan, individuals who consistently place national interest above personal ambition.

According to him, the statesmanship Jonathan displayed after leaving office has earned him a place among Africa’s most respected democratic figures and positioned the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation as a model for post-office service and peace leadership across the continent.

“Our democracy has survived turbulent election seasons because leaders like former President Jonathan understand that the Nigerian state is bigger than any individual,” he added.

Shettima conveyed President Tinubu’s goodwill and noted that Jonathan’s conduct since leaving office demonstrates that public service does not end when official duties conclude.

Newly elected PDP national chairman and former Minister of Special Duties, Taminu Turaki, also extolled the foundation’s impact. He described it as one of the continent’s most respected institutions in peacebuilding, mediation, conflict resolution and democratic strengthening.

“We have watched with keen interest the activities of the foundation from its inception to date. And we’ve seen how this foundation has now grown up to be one of the most respected foundations in Africa,” Turaki said. (Vanguard)