Former President Goodluck Jonathan has advised Nigerians to be intentional while exercising their voting rights in the 2023 general elections.
He said 2023 should be seen as an avenue to elect the right leadership Nigeria deserved to help it assume its rightful place among the comity of nations.
Jonathan gave the advice while delivering a keynote address titled ‘Lasting Legacy: Key to Nigeria’s Development Issues’ at the one-year memorial summit in honour of the late Captain Idahosa Okunbo, in Abuja on Saturday.
He said: “Ahead of the 2023 elections, we are getting ready to be wooed and wowed at campaign grounds by various politicians seeking different offices.
“But these thoughts are beyond 2023. It is about Nigeria and the kind of leadership it deserves now and in the future to ensure that our country assumes its rightful place among the comity of nations.
“My charge to Nigerians is to be circumspect in the exercise of their voting rights.
“We must shift away from the politics of bread and butter and ensure that we do not elect leaders that will buy our conscience today and mortgage the future of our children and grandchildren.
“We should endeavour to elect only those that will leave legacies of unity, peace, and development.”
The former president noted that in spite of all Nigerians had gone through, he did not believe that they should lose hope, noting that every political cycle provided them with an opportunity to take decisions that would help them renew their hope, and restore what had been lost.
He further advised political leaders at all levels to deliberately make the necessary sacrifices that promote patriotism, inspire devotion, and spur citizens to do their best for their country.
“Those who also lead at various capacities in politics and business, be they councilors, council chairpersons, governors, lawmakers at both state and national levels as well as boardroom gurus, should be bothered about the value of their leadership style.
“The essence of leadership is to drive initiatives that seek to build sustainable societies and make the lives of the people better and more meaningful.
“Every political leader should, in a moment of introspection, spare a thought for the legacy he or she would leave behind.
“Will you be remembered as a deceitful leader, an ethnic bigot, religious fanatic, or a nation builder that would leave lasting legacies for the people,” Jonathan said.
He expressed that anybody aspiring to public office should first articulate his own vision and philosophy of leadership, noting that leadership did not necessarily refer only to a political office, but encompassed every position of responsibility.
On the late Okunbo, Jonathan described him as a great industrialist who contributed considerably to the growth of Nigeria through hard work, discipline, and perseverance, while he was alive.
“He will continue to be remembered by many, not only in his family and community, but across the nation, because of the impactful friendship and relationships he cultivated while alive,” he added.
