Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged Nigerians to stop the country’s democracy from deviating into dictatorship.
The former President was speaking at the 70th birthday celebration of Mathew Kukah, Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Sokoto, in Abuja on Wednesday.
He stated that Nigeria was still a work in progress and urged citizens to stay vigilant and not allow democracy to collapse.
He advised leaders to consider different perspectives, adding that democracy is not just about winning elections.
“Obviously many people, especially our youths, are becoming increasingly disillusioned about our politics and democracy,” Jonathan said.”
“However, we must remain on the democratic path because it is the only practical way of effectively managing our diversity, developing sustainably, and recording progress as a nation.”
“The task before all of us is not to lower our guards lest the democracy we cherish today succumbs to threats and recedes into fascism tomorrow because there are signs.”
“Looking at the states and so on, we are derailing towards quasi-fascist form of government, but democracy is not only about winning elections alone, it is about accommodation. We, as leaders at the centre and at the state levels, especially at this time when elections are coming, must accommodate different views.
“Towards this goal, we are again faced with a good opportunity of choosing our leaders as the nation prepares to go to the polls next year. Let us choose those that will take us to the desired destination and the promised land.”
He also urged Nigerians not to give up hope and not focus on the negative, even if the country we want is not where it should be.