By Emmanuel Oloniruha
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for a strategic alignment of democratic governance with sound economic policies to ensure long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s political system.
Jonathan made the call at the national convening and launch of a research report by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) on Thursday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the research report is titled: “Strengthening the Nexus between Democracy and Economic Growth in Nigeria.”
The former president urged policy makers to move beyond mere elections and focus on building transparent and accountable institutions that would create an environment where innovation and enterprise could flourish.
Jonathan noted that the gathering came at a critical moment when democracy was under increasing strain globally due to economic hardship, social pressures, insecurity and growing distrust in public institutions.
Reflecting on the effectiveness of various systems of government, he noted that while some non-democratic nations had achieved significant development, the unique value of democracy lies in the guarantee of freedom.
“Sometimes when I look at the topics, I ask myself, can we really say that democracy will lead to better governance than other forms of government like we see in the Arab world, the monarchies?
“Most of you go to Dubai, the centre of the world. I know of some American friends that send their children to go and school in Dubai and it’s not a democracy there,” he said.
The former president added that in some other countries like China, some people question whether it is pure democracy that they are running or a different type of government.
According to him, the recruitment process in China is almost second to none, because ‘we are talking about quality of people’.
“In China, they combine selection and election; so, before you become a mayor of any of their cities, you are filtered and you are one of the best.
“Can we truly say that our democracy is close to that?’’ he queried.
Jonathan, however, highlighted freedom and justice as the two key factors that made people to embrace democracy.
He said that in a democracy, people were supposed to be free to express their minds and associate without being victimised.
“When these two elements have been taken away from democracy, then, of course, it’s no longer a democratic state,’’ Jonathan said.
He warned that where democratic systems failed to deliver economic progress, they risk losing legitimacy, describing it as a “gap we must urgently close.
“Our country is not immune to these trends. Nigeria’s journey offers both lessons and opportunities. Our democracy has endured, but endurance alone is not enough.
“Effective policies that promote economic growth are crucial to making our democracy more sustainable.”
The former president said that the path forward for Nigeria was not to choose between democracy and development, stressing, however, that both should be made mutually reinforcing.
“A strong democracy should create conditions for economic growth, and inclusive economic growth should, in turn, deepen and sustain democracy.
“History will not judge us merely by the systems we uphold, but by the outcomes we deliver,” he stated.
Jonathan said that the aim of his foundation was to contribute to governance processes, through its annual “Democracy Dialogue” which brings experts from across Africa to brainstorm on developmental themes.
He commended the contributors to the report, while urging policy makers, civil society and the private sector to act on its findings with urgency and commitment.
This, Jonathan said, would help in building a Nigeria where democracy is truly felt through opportunities, prosperity and justice for all.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Benson Ezugwu/’Wale Sadeeq
