May 29: What Goodluck Jonathan Said About Buhari’s Inauguration

Jonathan Congratulates Nigerians On Democracy Day

As President Muhammadu Buhari takes the oath of office as the leader of Nigeria for a second term in office on Wednesday, ex-President Goodluck Jonathan has urged Nigerians not to give in to despair.

He said democracy remains an incubator for great ideas, visions, development and hope.

According to him, “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.”

Naija News reports the May 29 celebration marks twenty years of uninterrupted democratic dispensation in Nigeria.

The full statement by Jonathan on Nigeria’s democracy, which he personally signed reads:

“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 ce 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.”

“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!”