Nigeria’s Democracy Wobbling, But There’s Hope – Jonathan

• Former President Goodluck Jonathan acknowledges Nigeria’s unstable democracy but expresses optimism about its future progress
• Jonathan emphasized the importance of patience in democratic development and the benefits of democracy, including media freedom

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has acknowledged that Nigeria’s democracy is currently unstable, but he remains optimistic about its future.

After meeting with the Oba of Benin on Tuesday in Benin, Ewuare II, in his palace, Jonathan highlighted the gradual nature of democratic development. “Democracy takes a gradual process. Some countries may move faster than others. We may be moving slowly, a bit sluggish, or even wobble sometimes, but the key thing is that democratic governance is what everybody wants,” he stated.

He emphasized the importance of democracy for media freedom in Nigeria, noting, “Nigeria has media freedom today because of democracy. It was not like this before.” Despite the challenges, Jonathan expressed confidence in the country’s democratic journey, saying, “But the journey is on. I believe we will get there.”

Jonathan stressed the need for patience and appreciation of democracy’s inherent benefits, stating, “Democracy is a gradual process, and countries must be able to know and appreciate that because of its inherent benefits.”

Reflecting on the significance of the upcoming Democracy Day, he remarked, “Tomorrow (Wednesday) is the public holiday that we are celebrating Democracy Day. Looking at the faces, some of you were not born in 1998, 1999 when this republic came to stay because we will be 25 years old in democracy.”

Jonathan explained that his visit to the Oba’s palace was to inform him about the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) Democracy Dialogue in Benin and to seek his blessings for a successful event.

In response, the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, praised Jonathan for hosting the event in Benin, stating that this gesture demonstrates the former president’s respect and value for the Benin Kingdom. The Oba appreciated Jonathan’s frequent visits to the palace and assured him of his continued support.