Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged leaders at all levels to foster trust among citizens and enhance youth involvement in governance.
The appeal came in a statement issued by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) Communications Officer, Wealth Ominabo, in Abuja, on Friday, in commemoration of the 2023 International Day of Democracy.
As the Chairman of the GJF, Jonathan emphasized that the essence of democracy—freedom, peace, and justice—must be tangibly experienced by citizens for it to be sustained.
He recognized democracy as a global governance model, valuing freedom, human rights, equity, justice, and inclusiveness.
“Democracy positions citizens at the helm of governance, granting them the authority to dictate their nation’s leadership and governance direction. Civic participation in governance fosters trust, ensures accountability, enhances unity, and promotes effective governance,” Jonathan remarked.
Acknowledging the worldwide decline of democracy, he pointed out specific challenges in Africa, such as reduced civic freedoms, frail institutions, election discrepancies, widespread poverty, and unconstitutional governmental turnovers.
He advocated for a focus on social security and accessible justice, urging a move away from ethnic and divisive politics to ensure the robustness of democracy.
Jonathan expressed that the 2023 theme, “Empowering the Next Generation,” beckons governments and relevant stakeholders to facilitate greater youth representation in governance.
Furthermore, he emphasized the need for stakeholders to significantly invest in the youth, considering them as pivotal pillars of national democracy.
“For democracy to remain resilient, the populace must genuinely experience the promises of freedom, peace, and justice. On this International Democracy Day 2023, I beckon stakeholders at all echelons to undertake measures that instill trust, faith, and assure citizens of a hopeful future,” Jonathan concluded.