Former President Goodluck Jonathan has acknowledged the challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy, describing it as “wobbling,” but he remains optimistic about its future.
Speaking on Tuesday in Benin, after meeting with the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, 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, we may be a bit sluggish, we may even wobble sometimes, but the key thing is that democratic governance is what everybody wants,” Jonathan remarked.
He emphasized that Nigeria currently enjoys media freedom thanks to democracy, a stark contrast to the past.
“But the journey is on. I believe we will get there,” he added, underscoring the inherent benefits of democratic governance and the importance of patience and appreciation for the process.
Jonathan noted the significance of Democracy Day, celebrated on Wednesday, reflecting on the progress made since the establishment of the current republic in 1999.
“Some of you were not born in 1998, 1999 when this present republic came to stay because we will be 25 years old in democracy,” he said.
The former president visited the Oba’s palace to inform him about the upcoming Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) Democracy Dialogue in Benin and to seek the monarch’s blessings for a successful event.
In response, the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, praised Jonathan for choosing Benin for the event, highlighting the former president’s respect for the Benin Kingdom. He assured Jonathan of his support and expressed gratitude for his frequent visits to the palace.
