ABUJA, NIGERIA — Former President Goodluck Jonathan has sent a strong message to President Bola Tinubu and state governors as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Day anniversary.
Jonathan made the call on Thursday during the Independence Day celebration in Abuja. He urged leaders to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians. He also called for unity and peaceful coexistence across the country.
A Call for Good Governance
The former president said the challenges facing Nigeria require collective effort. He urged President Tinubu and governors to focus on policies that would improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
“Leadership is about service. Those of us in positions of authority must remember that we are accountable to the people. We must work to reduce poverty, create jobs, and ensure that every Nigerian has access to basic amenities,” Jonathan stated.
Message to Governors
Jonathan specifically addressed state governors. He urged them to prioritise the development of their states. He also called on them to ensure that the resources allocated to them are used transparently and accountably.
“Governors have a critical role to play in the development of our nation. They are closer to the people. They must ensure that the resources that come to their states are used for the benefit of the people,” he said.
Call for Unity
The former president also emphasised the need for unity. He urged Nigerians to shun ethnic and religious divisions. He said the country’s diversity should be a source of strength, not division.
“We are stronger together. Our diversity is our strength. We must not allow those who seek to divide us to succeed. Let us work together to build a nation that we can all be proud of,” Jonathan said.
Independence Day Reflection
Jonathan reflected on the significance of Independence Day. He noted that Nigeria has come a long way since 1960. But he acknowledged that the country still faces significant challenges.
“We have made progress as a nation. But we still have a long way to go. We must continue to work towards a Nigeria where every citizen has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or where they come from,” he said.
Reaction from Tinubu
President Tinubu has not yet responded directly to Jonathan’s message. However, in his own Independence Day broadcast, Tinubu outlined his administration’s achievements and promised to continue with his reform agenda.
What This Means
Jonathan’s message reflects the growing concern about the state of governance in Nigeria. As the 2027 elections approach, the call for accountability and good governance is likely to intensify. For now, Nigerians will be watching to see whether their leaders heed the call.
