Speaking as Chairman of the Democracy Day Public Lecture with the theme: “25 Years of Enduring Democracy: Prospect for the Future,” at the Old Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, the former President noted that in the last 25 years, Nigeria had built an economy that was once the biggest economy in Africa.
Although he said that the country’s democratic consolidation has not been an easy one, he further said for democracy to yield dividends, the political actors must change their flamboyant style.
Jonathan, who emphasized the need to strengthen state institutions in order to strengthen the democracy, condemned what he described as the politics of winners-to-all, saying that it is not healthy in a democratic system.
He added that to build a democracy that will reduce frictions after elections, describing as embarrassing the avalanche of litigations that follow elections in the country.
The former President also warned that democracy that is built on ethnicity and religion does not endure.
He also urged the National Assembly to look at the governance model that can suite the country in order for the people to benefits the needed dividends.
He said, “25 years ago on May 29 1999, the Fourth Republic was birthed and our nation embarked on a historic journey that will forever keep our country’s future.
“Against all odds, we emerged from the shadows of military rule and ushered in a new era of democratic governance. The achievement is a testament to the resilience, courage and unwavering determination of the Nigerian people.
“At this point, let me commend His Excellency, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who stood against all temptations and pressure to prolong military rule in Nigeria.
“Because at least I have been a President and I know that it is not easy for a military Head of State to step aside under a year for civilians to take over, we have to always commend you.
“ Today, we look back with a sense of gratitude to God and appreciation to many of the heroes of our nation, who through selfless service and courage worked towards the democracy that we’re enjoying today.
“In fact, (Babagana) Kingibe mentioned key actors including late Abiola’s wife Kudirat and others. And of course, he was the elected vice president of the country, he was the Vice President to M.K.O Abiola, so that’s an area he knows more than me, so I will not want to bore your ears by mentioning names again.
“When we mention June 12, we remember Chief MKO Abiola for his contributions to the consolidation of our democracy. We also remember the famous letter signed by eighteen northern elders and delivered by Chief Solomon Lar, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, Mallam Adamu Ciroma, Ahmed Joda and Chief Sunday Awoniyi to Gen. Sani Abacha demanding the return of Nigeria to democratic rule.
“You are telling a military dictator we need democracy, that’s another way of saying please get out we want to take over from you. For the military that is treason. So some people entered and confronted a lion all these to come up with a democratic setting.
“The full signatories to that letter were Chief Solomon Lar, Alhaji Adamu Ciroma, Alhaji Lawal Kaita, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, Prof. Ango Abdulahi, Dr. Suleiman Kumo, Mallam Lawan Dambazzau, Alhaji Iro Abubakar Dan-Musa, Alhaji Sule Lamido, Prof. Jerry Gana, Col. Abubakar Umar (Rtd), Hon. Isaac Shaahu, Dr. Usman Bugaje, Alhaji Mohammed Arzika, Dr. Steve Achema, Dr. Farouk Abdulaziz, Prof. Musa Yakubu.
“ These are the 18 people who signed a letter, urging Abacha to end military rule for Nigeria to go back to a democratic setting.
“Considering our political history as a country, 25 years of unbroken democracy, in my mind is worthy of celebration, as it shows we are making some progress in democratic governance, despite the challenges we face in our journey of nationhood.
“Notably, the path towards democratic consolidation has been a difficult one. The first, second and third republics of our democratic experiments were abruptly ended by the military amidst political crisis and social tension.
“But after the G-8 letter of Solomon Lar and others, on May 8 1998, members of the G-34 in a letter signed by Dr. Alex Ekwueme, the former vice president had also urged General Abacha to reject his adoption as a presidential candidate and quit power.
“ Of course, we all remember, for the young people they don’t know but we remember the only person that the cap fits. So Alex Ekwueme and others also confronted that.
“The return of democracy in 1999 after many years of military reign, signaled a new phase in our national journey and our shared vision of unity, peace and progress. In the last 25 years, we have made modest progress in this regard amidst some challenges as a nation.”
The former President noted that within the past 25 years of democratic government, Nigeria had once emerged the biggest economy in Africa.
According to him, “We’ve built an economy that was once the biggest on the African continent. We have experienced significant infrastructural growth, made strides in the arts and sports and recorded many peaceful political transitions at national and sub national levels.
“Democracy has also brought about improved access to governance. Amplified silent voices and reinforced the idea of sovereignty.
“ Whenever I tune into Nigerian television stations, especially in the mornings and I see young men and women discussing and interrogating social issues and holding the government accountable, I always appreciate democracy.
“Today, citizens have come to terms with the idea of representative governance as they have over the years expressed their power to choose the leaders and demand, accountable leadership and good governance.
“Our civic space has largely flourished with a vibrant civil society community, increased media freedom and very very active press.”
He said that it had not been all that rosy in the past 25 years as the country has been confronted with some challenges despite the success recorded.
Jonathan said, “Our journey to democratic consolidation has not been an easy one. It has been a mixed bag of gains and losses, progress and pain. We have continued to deal with the issue of insecurity, inequality, unemployment as well as electoral disputes and violence.
“ Despite the challenges associated with Democracy, the general feeling is that citizens prefer democracy and to any other form of government not only in Nigeria, but almost across the world.
“As a nation, our resolve has been challenged many times. But through shared faith and unity we have continued to match on and we will continue to match on.
“We must underscore the fact that democracy is a journey, not a destination. Our Democracy though still young has weathered storms, overcome challenges and proven its endurance. It has become a beacon of hope, not just for our nation but for the entire continent.
“In these 25 years, four power transitions from one president to the other, I am not talking about the election, because like Kingibe said, two presidents handover to themselves.
“What we have four situations where, Presidents handover to another president even in a case where a sitting President died. These are challenges that could have brought this republic to another end but we survived it.
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