Former President, Goodluck Jonathan has advised Nigerians to be circumspect in exercising their voting rights in the 2023 general elections.
Jonathan gave the advice while delivering a keynote address in Abuja on Saturday, August 13, 2022.
Specifically, he spoke at the one-year memorial summit in honour of the late Captain Idahosa Okunbo. Jonathan said that 2023 should be seen as an avenue to elect the kind of leadership Nigeria deserved now and in the future to assume its rightful place among the comity of nations.
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“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,” Jonathan said.
The former president’s keynote was titled ‘Lasting Legacy: Key to Nigeria’s Development Issues’.
He said that in spite of all Nigerians had gone through, he did not believe that they should lose hope.
Jonathan said that every political cycle provided Nigerians with the ample opportunity to take decisions; particularly those that would help them renew their hope, restore what had been lost, and rebuild the country.
He 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. Also, he charged political leaders to be concerned about the depth of their footprints; as well as the kind of legacies they are leaving behind.
“Those who also lead at various capacities in politics and business; be they councillors, 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.
