Ex-President Jonathan harps on virtues of democracy, silent on Buhari’s inauguration

Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday harped on the virtues of democracy as incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari and his Deputy, Yemi Osinbajo were sworn into office.

He was, however, silent on Buhari’s inauguration and was conspicuously absent at the swearing-in ceremonies.

The former president while recognizing May 29 as democracy day dropped a goodwill message to Nigerians on his Twitter handle @GEJonathan.

In the message, he urged Nigerians not to give in to pessimism and despair as the nation battles the challenges of insecurity and others.

Read also: Known govt critic, Timi Frank, tells Nigeria’s ruling party, APC, not to celebrate “a stolen mandate”

“Exactly twenty years ago, our nation turned the corner with a general election that signalled the end of a long spell of military dictatorship. With that came promises of good governance, equity and justice under the ambience of leadership driven by the will of the people.

“Our celebration of democracy is, therefore, a mark of our commitment to the virtues of liberty, justice and the people’s freedom to daily engage government on how best to achieve our national goals,” he said.

He added, “We may not have realised these promises and all that are possible in the new dispensation but democracy to me remains an incubator for great ideas, visions, development and hope.

“That is why I urge all citizens not to give in to pessimism and despair as our nation battles the challenges of insecurity, the scourge of unemployment and prevalent poverty, all of which threaten national peace and unity.

“As a nation, it is imperative for us to continue to strive for improvements in our electoral processes. There is a need to deepen the gains so far attained by advancing the frontiers of credible electoral processes, fidelity to the rule of law & adherence to constitutionalism.

“A credible electoral process is no doubt fundamental to making democracy work for us as a people, as it sufficiently empowers citizens to freely choose or reject their political leadership, thereby serving as an incentive for good governance.

“Democracy has come to stay. So, let us stay in the creed and virtues of justice, equity, and love which makes democracy a solid ground of freedom, good governance, peace, and hope.

Happy Democracy Day Nigeria!

-GEJ

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