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Former President Goodluck Jonathan has stated that the tolerance of Nigerians enables bad behavior among political leaders. He emphasized that once citizens begin to demand accountability, politicians will have no choice but to act in the country’s best interest.
Speaking at the book launch of former Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, in Abuja on Tuesday, February 18, Jonathan criticized the use of military personnel in election duties, arguing that it overstretches the armed forces and undermines democratic processes.
“Nigerians Celebrate the Wrong Things”
Jonathan highlighted that a cultural shift is necessary to change the political landscape, stating, “We, Nigerians, celebrate the wrong thing. I believe one day, the country will reach a level where people will reject bad behavior. The day we collectively say we will no longer tolerate wrongdoing, the political class will be forced to behave properly. If we act wrongly, the people must reject us.”
He also suggested that Nigeria should create a public record of individuals who have contributed to the country’s problems. “Maybe one day, we will have two big buildings in Abuja showcasing pictures of those—dead or alive—who have messed up this country, so that their grandchildren will know their forefathers were part of Nigeria’s problems.”
Criticism of Military Involvement in Elections
Jonathan argued that elections should primarily be managed by the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as is done in other countries. He noted that in most nations, the military is used to transport election materials to high-risk areas rather than securing polling stations.
“In Nigeria, we overstretch the military. In most countries, the army does not get involved in the day-to-day management of elections. They may be used for strategic operations, like transporting materials to conflict zones, but they are never stationed at polling booths,” he said.
Citing his observations from other African elections, Jonathan pointed out that in Botswana, the military takes over regular police duties on election day, allowing law enforcement officers to focus on election security. “In countries like Senegal, you hardly see police officers at polling units. The system is simple, transparent, and works efficiently without unnecessary security presence.”
Peter Obi Weighs In
Also speaking at the event, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, stressed that the credibility of elections ultimately depends on the leadership overseeing them. According to him, “A free and fair election is possible if the right people are involved in the process.”
Jonathan’s remarks highlight ongoing concerns about electoral integrity and governance in Nigeria, reinforcing the need for citizen engagement in demanding accountability from political leaders.
