The recent wave of coups throughout the African continent, according to former president Goodluck Jonathan, demonstrate that democracy needs to be “rejigged” and moved in the right direction.
Jonathan stated this at the Democracy Dialogue 2023, which was held in Yenagoa and had as its theme “Breaking New Grounds In The Democracy Development Nexus in Africa” (GJF).
The former president of Nigeria voiced concern that democracy in recent years on the continent of Africa has led to significant difficulties, such as the problems of poverty and unemployment, which he claimed had caused a crisis of faith in the hearts of the populace.
“Leadership is supposed to work to ensure that democracy is translated to economic well-being,” he added, adding that democracy has to be able to promote development.
“Recently, we have witnessed celebrations marking the overthrow of civilian governments in Africa, with people celebrating the military overthrowing civil governments. These triumph songs won’t be around for long, but they demonstrate how Africa needs to revamp her democracy.
“Democracy on the continent has brought on a significant issue in recent years. Our population are experiencing a crisis of trust due to the problems of poverty and unemployment.
“As leaders, it is our duty to ensure that democracy endures by upholding the law, respecting individual rights, bolstering public institutions, and making sure we carry out policies that will have a positive influence on the lives of our people,” he said.
