Former President Goodluck Ebere Jonathan has called on Nigerian politicians to prioritise national interest over party loyalty, personal ambitions and sectional considerations, stressing that the country’s unity and democratic development must come first.
Jonathan made the call on Tuesday at the fifth National Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria in Abuja, where he was represented by former Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Bala Ngilari.
The former President identified ethnic, religious and regional divisions as major obstacles to Nigeria’s political development, urging political leaders to promote unity, inclusiveness and responsible leadership.
He said political activities should be guilded by competence, integrity and the collective interest of Nigerians rather than partisan affiliations or individual ambitions.
According to Jonathan, Nigeria must always be greater than any political party, individual or sectional interest, emphasising the need for political actors to rise above divisions and work towards national development.
Drawing from his experience as a former deputy governor of Bayelsa State, vice president of Nigeria, Jonathan highlighted the importance of consultation, teamwork and strong democratic institutions in effective governance.
He also urged former deputy governors to maintain cordial relationship with serving governors and their deputies, mentor younger politicians and discourage divisive political practices.
Jonathan noted that although political offices are temporary, decisions taken by public office holders can have lasting consequences for future generations.
He therefore called on political leaders to embrace accountability, integrity and responsible leadership.
The former president expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, citing the resilience and creativity of its people, particularly young Nigerians, whom he said should be given opportunities to work, innovate and prosper.
Also speaking at the conference, former Kano State governor and immediate past APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, called on Nigerians to embrace nation unity and transform the country’s diversity into an asset.
Ganduje also raised concerns about the abandonment of projects by successive administrations, urging political leaders to ensure continuity in governance regardless of party affiliations.
He warned that political disagreements between outgoing and incoming governors often undermine development when ongoing projects and programmes are discontinued.
-9News Nigeria.
