Former President Goodluck Jonathan has cautioned that politics must not be turned into a space for unruly behaviour.
Jonathan delivered the remarks on Thursday at the 10th anniversary dinner of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, which also served as part of celebrations marking his 68th birthday.
He expressed concern that Nigeria’s democracy is being weakened by irresponsible political actions, stressing that governance should be guided by responsibility, nation-building and self-restraint.
According to him, preserving democratic stability demands civility and genuine accountability from all players in the political arena.
The anniversary dinner drew a distinguished audience that included African leaders, diplomats, political figures and business stakeholders.
“Politics is not for rascals. It is for people who want to build, not destroy,” Jonathan said, warning that the increasing spread of inflammatory rhetoric and confrontational political conduct is eroding democratic strength across the continent.
He recalled the events that shaped the founding of his organisation, noting that its work over the past decade has centred on diplomacy, governance reforms, peacebuilding, mediation and the reinforcement of democratic structures.
Jonathan also condemned the surge in violent attacks and kidnappings nationwide, urging leaders at all levels to take their obligations seriously by protecting citizens and defending the country’s democratic framework.
