Jonathan warns against turning Nigeria to fascist state
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has warned Nigerians against letting down their guard, allowing the country to spiral into fascism.
President Muhammadu Buhari’s APC regime has been accused of nepotism and its security forces of wanton violations of human rights.
“The task before all of us is not to lower our guard, lest the democracy we cherish today succumbs to threats and recedes into fascism tomorrow. Towards this goal, we are again faced with a good opportunity of choosing our leaders as the nation prepares to go to the polls next year,” Mr Jonathan said at a dinner to celebrate Catholic bishop Matthew Kukah’s 70th birthday.
He added, “Let us choose those that will take us to the desired destination and the promised land.”
Mr Jonathan described Mr Kukah as a priest who craved peace and oneness in Nigeria and would go to any length to ensure unity and justice.
He stated the theme ‘Nigeria’s unfinished greatness: Next steps’, for the birthday anniversary was fitting, noting that “Nigeria is indeed a work-in-progress.”
The former president added, “Until that work is done, people like Bishop Kukah, who God has positioned as the conscience of the nation, will continue to be around to constantly hold the mirror of our progression to our national face.”
Mr Jonathan added, “Judging from where we are coming from since independence in 1960, we may have been moving slowly in our journey of nationhood, but it is a journey of progress, all the same. Our greatness is still work-in-progress because we have not been able to adequately deploy the enviable human and natural resources that God gave us to full advantage.”
He noted that this “is a task we will continue to work on and improve upon.”
The ex-president further pointed out that many Nigerians, especially youths, were becoming increasingly disillusioned with Nigeria’s politics and its democracy.
“We must remain on the democratic path, however, because it is the only practical way of effectively managing our diversity, developing sustainably and recording progress as a nation,” Mr Jonathan stressed.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Heading 2
Asaba traditional council prohibits ogbono seed in indigenous markets
The Ndi Eze Ahaba unanimously endorsed the directive.
NationWide
2027: Group cautions ADC over reported Atiku-Amaechi ticket
It expressed the view that the ADC should prioritise candidates capable of withstanding legal scrutiny to avoid post-election disputes.
States
Ogun APC governorship candidate Solomon Adeola begins reelectrification of over 50 communities in Ogun Waterside
The senator said the intervention was aimed at restoring electricity to communities that had been in darkness for over a decade.
States
Oyo APC raises reconciliation committee to reconcile aggrieved members after primaries
Mr Sadare said, “It is hoped that this effort will bring about the desired peace and unity for our great party to win big at the polls next year.”
Sport
Nigerian athletes win 14 medals at CAA Region II championships
He said Nigeria’s dominance was most evident on the track, as sprinters swept several titles across the U-18 and U-20 categories.
States
Former deputy governor of Bauchi loses two children in auto crash
Mr Tela, also a former senator, lost two of his children in an accident along the Bauchi-Azare road on Saturday.
