Democracy is widely acknowledged to be a system of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through representation usually involving periodically held free, fair and peaceful election. Democracy is adjuged to be the best and popular form of government in the world.
However, Nigeria journey towards democratic rule has been long and turbulence marked by persistent efforts by its people to achieve and sustain democratic governance. The struggle and sacrifice of MKO Abiola and many others eventually paved the way for the end of military rule and the establishment of Nigeria Fourth Republic in 1999.
After 8years of civilian rule since 1999, on 29 May 2007, President Olusegun Obasanjo of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) handed over power to Alh. Umaru Musa Yar’Adua of the same political party under a controversial presidential election with Goodluck Jonathan as the Vice President. Hitherto to his elevation to the nation number two position, Jonathan had kept a very low profile even as former deputy governor and governor of oil-rich Bayelsa state in south-south Nigeria.
On 9 February 2010, Nigeria’s recent democratic journey faced it first major test that shaken it root until the senate came to the rescue following the famous doctrine of necessity that made Goodluck Jonathan the Acting President due to President Yar’Adua’s trip to Saudi Arabia for medical treatment. Eventually, and in accordance with succession in the Nigeria constitution, Acting President Goodluck Jonathan was sworn in as substantive President of Nigeria following President Yar’Adua’s death on 5 May 2010.
The 5years of Goodluck Jonathan presidency witnessed socio-economic development and increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country. The administration was however marred with massive security challenges. The reelection of Goodluck Jonathan and successful merger of opposition political parties opened a new chapter and a watershed in Nigeria democratic journey.
The 2015 Presidential election between the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Gen. Muhammadu Buhari of the opposition All Progressive Congress (APC) was a major turning point in the country’s quest to sustain and deepen democratic rule in Nigeria.
On 30 March 2015, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted the Presidential election and after the close of polls, it was widely reported that the candidate of the newly formed opposition party, All Progressive Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari was coasting home to victory amidst allegations of electoral irregularities by the agents of the ruling party. The protest at the national collation center in Abuja, and attempt by agents of some opposition parties to scuttle the process created fear and anxiety among the populace.
Though the 2015 general election was considered to be a great departure from the previous ones, the process was still without areas that failed to meet minimum electoral standard. In the same vein, responses from cross-section of Nigerians particularly members of both the ruling and opposition parties shows readiness by both side to embark on street protest for and against declaration of the presidential results that could snowball into a nation wide civil unrest was also alleged to be in the offing should the electoral body chooses to do otherwise. It was also alleged that some perons had perfected plans to abort the electoral process via court orders.
In all, Nigerians were soaked with fear and uncertainty over the political future of the country. The nation was at the verge of division on religious and tribal lines. The unity of the country was seriously at stake, there’s need for urgent intervention of leaders to calm fray nerves and restore the confidence of the citizenry.
Despite alleged lapses in the electoral process by the ruling party, the situation of country at the time requires pragmatic approach. President Jonathan on 31 March 2015, before the end of collation and announcement of final results, took a singular decision that averted what would have been a major political crisis after the civil war. Jonathan phoned his major challenger and conceded defeat with a statement that “Nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian”.
Jonathan with all powers of incumbency could choose to explore some alleged loopholes in the electoral processes that would either plunge the nation into avoidable crisis and perpetuate himself in power, or call for a rerun of the presidential election due to some perceived irregularities or hide under unfavourable security reports to annul the election and hand over power to the military. This could happen under a special arrangements that protect his political and economic interests.
In all, Dr Goodluck Jonathan placed the peace, unity and progress of the country over and above personal interest and relinquished power under a smooth and peaceful civilian to civilian transition. This singular act by a sitting president became a major milestones and turning point in Nigeria’s democratic history. Our democracy recorded tremendous achievement with national and international commendations.
Since leaving office, Jonathan has continued to receive national and international honours and appointments as special envoy and highly revered diplomat. In 2019, he was appointed as the honorary special advisor to the Bayelsa Education Trust Fund board. In June 2019, Goodluck Jonathan was named chairperson of the newly inaugurated International Summit Council for Peace.
In July 2020, Jonathan was appointed special envoy of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to lead mediation talks during the 2020 Malian protest. Dr Good luck Jonathan has led International election observation missions including Tanzania, (Common wealth, 2015), Zambia (African Union-2016), Liberia (National Democratic Institute-2017), and South Africa (EISA – 2019).
Dr Goodluck Jonathan has received several local and international awards in recognition of his exceptional commitment to peace, democracy and good governance that already become a shinning light on the African continent.
It is on this premise I called on opposition parties in particular and and kogites in general to draw lessons from the political mindset of Goodluck Jonathan, his sacrifices for the country and the great impact his uncommon commitment to peace and progress of Nigeria have created in his life and the country
As politicians in Kogi State, let’s develop the attitude to concede election defeat where applicable not because there are not areas to explore in courts but in the over all interest of peace, unity and progress of our dear state. This would only earn us more respect, accolades and higher position perhaps much better than we had earlier contested.
– Hon. Zakari Yusuf Eneve is a member of Kogi State House of Assembly, representing Okene II Constituency.