₦airaland Forum

dgr8truth:
One of the chief reasons Nigeria continues to enjoy democratic governance today is the statesmanship demonstrated by former President Goodluck Jonathan during the 2015 general elections. His conduct at that critical moment in our national history remains an important lesson in leadership, patriotism, and the need to place the unity and stability of the nation above personal political ambition.

It was not merely the fact that President Jonathan congratulated Muhammadu Buhari on his electoral victory that demonstrated his statesmanship. More importantly, it was the atmosphere he helped create before the election, the reassuring statements he made to Nigerians, and his willingness to allow the democratic process to unfold without placing his personal ambition above the lives and security of the people.

Jonathan repeatedly communicated a message that resonated with Nigerians: no presidential ambition was worth the blood of any Nigerian. His commitment to a peaceful electoral process helped calm political tensions at a time when the country was deeply divided and many feared the consequences of a disputed election. By accepting the outcome of the election and facilitating a peaceful transfer of power, he demonstrated that the survival of Nigeria was more important than remaining in office.

I make bold to say that President Jonathan made a significant personal political sacrifice for the unity and stability of Nigeria. He understood that the office of the President is temporary, but the Nigerian nation must endure. He recognised that political power is not an entitlement to be defended at all costs, but a responsibility to be exercised in the interest of the people.

Indeed, if Jonathan had placed his personal ambition above the lives of Nigerians, the consequences could have been disastrous. The history of our democracy might have taken a very different direction. His conduct contributed to the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic transition and strengthened the principle that electoral defeat must not become a national catastrophe.

Sadly, I am not seeing the same level of statesmanship being demonstrated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the current political atmosphere. This is particularly troubling because Tinubu himself is widely recognised for his role in the struggle for democracy in Nigeria. A man whose political history is associated with the fight for democratic governance should be among those most committed to protecting the democratic space, especially when political competition becomes intense.

President Tinubu is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not merely the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) or any other political party. His responsibility extends beyond the interests of his party, his supporters, or his personal political future. He occupies an office that demands impartiality, restraint, courage, and a deep commitment to the welfare of every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation.

His ambition, or the ambition of any political party, must never take precedence over the constitutional responsibilities of his office. The President must be prepared to demonstrate, through both words and actions, that every Nigerian has an equal right to participate in the democratic process without fear, intimidation, or violence.

Nigerians have lost their lives to political violence and thuggery, and the reported use of intimidation by political actors raises serious concerns about the safety and credibility of our electoral process. In such an atmosphere, Nigerians need reassurance from the highest office in the land. They need to hear a clear and unequivocal message that political violence will not be tolerated, that the lives of citizens are more important than electoral victories, and that every political party must be allowed to compete on a fair and peaceful playing field.

What is particularly disappointing is the absence, in the face of these concerns, of the kind of strong, unambiguous presidential intervention that could reassure the nation. Rather than statements that could be interpreted as suggesting that anything is acceptable in politics, Nigerians deserve leadership that establishes clear moral and constitutional boundaries. Politics cannot be an excuse for violence, intimidation, or the destruction of democratic values. Not everything is permissible in the pursuit of power, and no electoral victory is worth the life of a single Nigerian.

President Tinubu must therefore rise above partisan considerations and address the nation on the need for peaceful political participation. He must call on political parties, candidates, supporters, security agencies, and electoral institutions to uphold the rule of law. He must make it clear that anyone who sponsors, organises, or participates in political violence will be held accountable, irrespective of party affiliation or political influence.

More importantly, the President must not only make these declarations; he must be seen to be acting on them. Statesmanship is measured not simply by speeches but by the willingness to ensure that institutions operate fairly, security agencies remain professional, political opponents are protected, and citizens can exercise their democratic rights without fear. The credibility of the democratic process depends not only on whether elections are held, but also on whether Nigerians are free to make their choices without coercion.

The responsibility to protect democracy does not rest on the President alone. Political parties, electoral bodies, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media, and ordinary citizens all have important roles to play. However, the President occupies a unique position from which he can set the tone for national conduct. His words carry enormous weight, and his actions—or silence—can influence public confidence in the democratic process.

This is why President Tinubu must understand that his greatest legacy will not necessarily be whether the APC remains in power or whether he secures another electoral victory. His legacy will also be judged by whether Nigeria’s democracy becomes stronger under his leadership, whether political opponents can compete freely, whether citizens can vote without fear, and whether the country remains united despite political disagreements.

President Jonathan demonstrated that a leader could lose an election without losing his place in history. He showed that relinquishing power peacefully can be a greater act of leadership than winning an election. He reminded us that the presidency is an institution of national responsibility, not a personal possession.

President Tinubu now has an opportunity to demonstrate that same understanding of leadership. He must prove that his commitment to democracy is greater than his commitment to any party, and that his love for Nigeria is greater than any personal or political ambition. The true test of a democratic leader is not how fiercely he fights to retain power, but how faithfully he protects the rights of those who may vote against him. Nigeria belongs to all of us. Its democracy must serve all Nigerians, not just those who belong to the ruling party. No political ambition is worth the blood of our citizens, and no party victory is worth the destruction of our national unity.

President Tinubu must rise to the occasion. He must demonstrate the statesmanship expected of the occupant of Nigeria’s highest office and live up to the democratic ideals for which he and many others fought. History will remember not only how he came to power, but also how he used that power to protect the country’s democracy.
The time has come for President Tinubu to put Nigeria first, democracy above partisan politics, and the lives of Nigerians above every political ambition.

I understand that you have a great point to make, but why would you write this much to do it?

Maybe she is just tired of doing it all since the excitement has died down or she is trying to build a different life. But congrats to her

It’s high time they gave protection to people at high risk of attacks

Madman with a recent haircut

tishbite41:
The Pakistanis seems to be more technically gifted
Indians are just good in I.T and Medicine

Are IT and medicine not technical?

This is beautiful. People would send a family member as their proxy to their wedding ceremony. In fact, I think this shows that the person values the proposal ceremony so much that he would have been there himself if he could, but it seems like that was impossible so he did the best thing anyone in his position would do.

With the way the brother was smiling, I think the family also loves their to-be bride.

OgaSeun:
At least they are still doctors in training...
Pay dem no mind.

Lol. The healthcare system feels terrible pressure when residents strike

Guns are expensive. Who sponsors terrorism in this country?

Insecurity is a fear many have when exploring these places.

They would be happy that their objection was not sustained. Congrats to them for their victory

Buhari4dullard:
Very very nice but why are Christians following the world?

Jesus said clearly privately give alms and God will publicly reward you.

Matthew 6:
3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.


Now God cant reward him, as he has had had his reward.

Matthew 6:
5 And ..., thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: ......., that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Christians should give privately and be rewarded openly by God.

If you didn't hear about this you'll ask what the pastors are doing. Now that you have been informed, you are quoting a Bible verses….this man

They took this case to court instead of looking for a settlement

The follow up news that you will hardly ever see.

monex:
you are confusing the swiss team for the israeli tem.

there are roman numerals wrriten on the podium. The team facing you is the swiss team that won silver

@monex thank you both

P1PrinceKT:
What you failed to understand as semi-educated as you're is that you have the right to tackle who stepped on your door, not innocent travelers.

If you were more generous to yourself with your comprehension skills, you would not have imagined where I supported their action. Let me break it down for you; Vibrating over the consequences of negligence instead of the inaction itself is hypocrisy

By the way, it is “semi-educated as you are” not “you're”.

Gold medal? Why are they on the stand for second place

Are they not hunters anymore? The police should even allow them to hunt in the market.
If the case that happened had not come up, the police would have been more invested in harassing car owners for their daily cash-out mission instead of sets of uncivilized pons allowed to travel multiple state borders with dangerous arms.

I hope they are not just pulling off a stunt. If they had not failed at their jobs, people would not have to take matters into their own hands.

The image of some well-meaning northerners all over the country is also in a terrible state because the bad eggs, who have terrorized their people too, are allowed to act freely in other places.

Everyone is getting kidnapped and family members abused in helpless conditions but the security force is so passionate about collecting 200 naira from public transport drivers

Nigeria police and misplaced priorities

psucc:
Illiteratecy simply means being a novice on a particular matter, or something.

Not necessarily being unlettered

You know that you could have at least googled this before typing

Gross incompetence of security personnels

P1PrinceKT:
What you failed to understand as semi-educated as you're is that you have the right to tackle who stepped on your door, not innocent travelers.

Omo you obviously skipped simple logic before this mention and I can’t help you. Have a good morning

P1PrinceKT:
Northern blood will not go for Nothing! Edo should know that it's casted on stones!

You are just as foolish as the northern boys that have been soiling the name other hardworking northerners because of their serious involvements in kidnappings.
You didn’t follow through with the news of kidnapping, rapes and death done by northerners in this environment that have preceded this pitiful action on innocent travelers but you want to call for thunder and brimstone with your planck head

Gmajor:
Many Nigerians are very ignorant and unexposed.
It's very common for an agent to get admission for you free of charge, when you pay tuition to the school, the school will settle the agent from your fees. You don't have to pay the agent directly.
Una just dey shout scam, up and down.
Radarada

Do you think you will be considered to have sense If you sent an advert that requires persons to put a large amount of their resources and even their life on the line with very little information just because processing the service is without charge?
Somehow you think that questioning this is a "radarada" talk and same you will attack victims of travel scams or even trafficking for also being ignorant.
See ehn, better shut up there if you don't have something beneficial to contribute

Dawn91:
Pig stop quoting me. Babatunde or emeka.

Pigs

What is the difference between you and the children on NL to whom you may be referring?

I don't know what hardship you are experiencing this morning but I hope that God gives you a reason to smile today.

Take care of yourself, okay

Dawn91:
One of the pigs wants to quote me. Let me guess you are either Yoruba or ibo?

Pigs!!!

Calm down boss

Dawn91:
You Yoruba pigs will soon start disturbing this thread with your fellow ibo pigs.

You two and the most useless pig tribes in Nigeria
Dirty uncivilized and shameless about displaying your stupidity at every opportunity.

I have never seen two stupider tribes of pigs than the Yoruba and ibos.

There is truth in what you are saying but please calm down. These words are too much this early morning

Thanks to this lady for respresenting us well

We4all:
Some people don't have sense. What is there to celebrate?

How would you know? How would you even have sense to know in the first place?

anonimi:
Maybe you mean that the massive action is only being reported recently.

If nothing, was Dora Akunyili not as equally active several years ago in NAFDAC

I’m referring to this administration

I hope Nigeria is able to eradicate all these substandard drugs that has infested the country. I’m only wondering why this massive action only started recently.

frog12:
i think he no need the money. he go give am back

Make e use the money dash charity. She no deserve am