Former President Goodluck Jonathan proposed building two structures in Abuja to showcase images of individuals who contributed to Nigeria’s problems, aiming to educate future generations.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has proposed the creation of two buildings in Abuja to display portraits of individuals who have contributed to Nigeria’s challenges. He believes this initiative would help future generations understand the negative roles their ancestors played in the country’s history.
At the launch of a book by former Inspector General of Police Solomon Arase in Abuja on Tuesday, Jonathan criticized Nigerians for tolerating misconduct from political leaders. He emphasized that political leaders will only act responsibly when citizens start rejecting bad behavior.
“We, Nigerians, tend to celebrate the wrong things. I believe that one day, this country will reach a point where people will no longer tolerate misconduct. Once that happens, we won’t face these issues again,” Jonathan said.
He further suggested, “Perhaps one day, we will build two large buildings in Abuja where we can display the pictures of people—living or deceased—who have contributed to the country’s problems. This way, their grandchildren will learn about their forefathers’ impact on Nigeria.”
Jonathan also expressed strong opposition to the use of military personnel in election duties, arguing that it places unnecessary strain on the armed forces. He insisted that elections should primarily be overseen by the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“As someone who has served as President, internal security is something I hold close to my heart, especially when it comes to election security. Nigerian elections are a cause for concern,” he remarked.
Jonathan compared Nigeria’s election security system to those of Botswana and Senegal, where military involvement is minimal. In Botswana, police officers handle election security, while the military focuses on securing government properties. In Senegal, electoral officials manage polling stations, with the police positioned outside to intervene only if necessary.
“I recently visited Botswana during their elections. It’s a small country with a small population, so most of the police officers were assigned to the elections. The military took over the regular duties of the police, including securing police headquarters,” Jonathan explained.
At the same event, Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, emphasized that the credibility of elections depends on the integrity of those overseeing them. He recalled how, during his tenure as governor under Jonathan, he ensured a fair electoral process.
“I’ve had the experience of a free and fair election. During my second term as governor, I told President Jonathan, ‘I don’t want a single vote that doesn’t belong to me. Let the election be free and fair,’” Obi stated.
He also recalled how Jonathan intervened when members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) tried to interfere in his state’s elections.
“I had many supporters, and even when members of his own party, PDP, came to my state, I called him and said, ‘Mr. President, I’m in my village. I don’t want anyone wandering around in my state,’” Obi shared. “Within minutes, he called them, and they left.”
Obi concluded by arguing that the credibility of elections is shaped by the integrity of those in charge. He also highlighted that reducing corruption among public officials would improve security.
“If we want to address security, it starts by public officials stopping theft. When we stop stealing, criminals will learn from us, and even policemen will perform their duties better. Election security becomes easier when those in charge are committed to fair elections,” he concluded.
Sahara
