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Ten Years On: Goodluck Jonathan’s Peaceful Concession Still a Model for African Democracy
By Amb. Simeon Uwa Ph.D| March 31, 2025
Where was Nigeria’s democracy ten years ago?
Exactly ten years ago today, on March 31, 2015, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan made history by conceding defeat to Muhammadu Buhari after a fiercely contested presidential election. In an era where political leaders across Africa often resort to violence, electoral disputes, or unconstitutional manoeuvres to cling to power, Jonathan’s concession remains one of the most defining moments of African democratic maturity. Indeed, then, Nigeria’s democracy was draped in bright colours.
His now-famous telephone call to Buhari was not just a gracious acceptance of electoral results – it was a deliberate commitment to peace, democracy, and national stability. That singular act prevented post-election violence, saved lives, and reinforced Nigeria’s democratic credentials on the global stage.
Decade of Non-Zero-Sum Politics
onathan’s legacy goes beyond that historic phone call. Despite being in the opposition, he willingly collaborated with the Buhari administration on national and international issues, proving that politics need not be a zero-sum game. His statesmanship and dedication to national unity demonstrated that leadership should transcend party affiliations and personal ambition.
Even after leaving office, Jonathan actively engaged in peacebuilding efforts across Africa, leading international mediation missions and advocating for free, fair, and peaceful elections. His philosophy was summed up in his iconic statement:
“My ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.”
That simple yet profound declaration, has been the hallmark of statecraft for emerging democracies and continues to challenge African leaders to prioritise national unity over personal power struggles. It is a call for a political culture that values dialogue over division, Institutions rather than individuals, democracy over dictatorship, and peace over power.
A Model for Africa’s Future
As Africa grapples with military coups, disputed elections, reversal of democratic gains, and authoritarian entrenchment, Jonathan’s approach remains a critical blueprint for democracy and governance reforms. With increasing political instability across the continent – from Guinea to Sudan, Gabon to Burkina Faso – institutionalising patriotic and democratic leadership is no longer an option; it is a necessity. Indeed, this direction should dictate the future for governance in Africa or something worst may befall the continent.
Key Lessons for Africa’s Leadership
1. Peaceful Concession as a Democratic Norm:
a. Jonathan’s concession should be taught as a case study in governance and leadership training for African leaders.
b. The African Union (AU) and ECOWAS should institutionalise peaceful handover of power as a democratic standard.
2. Non tolerance for Zero-Sum Politics:
a. Political transitions should be collaborative rather than adversarial.
b. Future leaders must embrace bipartisanship and national reconciliation as part of governance.
3. Legislating Patriotic and Democratic Leadership as the MODEL for emerging leaders in the Continent.
a. African nations should develop constitutional and electoral frameworks that encourage peaceful political transitions.
b. Leadership training that is focused on patriotism and embracing peaceful democratic transitions, should be mandatory for political office aspirants.
A Legacy Worth Protecting:
A decade after Jonathan’s defining concession, the lesson is clear: African leaders must move beyond the politics of survival and embrace leadership that prioritises peace and national interest.
As Africa continues to navigate political uncertainty, Jonathan’s example remains a beacon of hope for democratic stability and peaceful transitions.
Ten years later, his words still resonate: “My ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.” It is time for African leaders to adopt this mindset—not just in words, but in action.
Ambassador Simeon Uwa, former Nigerian Ambassador to the West Africa Monetary Zone WAMZ is now Executive Secretary, International Summit Council for Peace, ISCP-Africa.
News
Tinubu: My govt has created 650,000 jobs via National MSME clinics In 19 states and FCT
President Bola Tinubu on Monday disclosed that his government has created 650,000 jobs through its National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Clinics in 19 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Tinubu also vowed to remove all bottlenecks militating against Nigerians turning ideas and skills into successful businesses.
The President made this known via his verified X handle, @officialABAT and explained that a tailor should not need millions of naira to buy industrial machinery before she can grow her business while a food processor should not have to build a factory before producing at scale.
This, he stated, informed why the Federal Government, “under our Renewed Hope administration, is investing in shared MSME hubs through our National MSME Clinics, giving entrepreneurs access to modern equipment, reliable power and production facilities without carrying the full cost alone.”
According to Tinubu: “Today, 21 shared facilities across 19 states and the FCT are supporting businesses and an estimated 650,000 jobs. ReadPolitical News
“Nigerians do not lack ideas, skill or ambition. Too often, they lack access to the tools and infrastructure needed to turn them into successful businesses.
“Our job is to remove those barriers.
“When small businesses can produce more, at lower cost, they become more competitive. They grow. They employ more people. They create income and opportunity for Nigerian families.
“Giving Nigerian enterprise the tools to succeed is how we build prosperity from the ground up. That is the Nigeria we are building.”
News
Experts raise alarm on Shawarma, Cancer, Kidney Disease
Health professionals have warned that regular consumption of shawarma containing high amounts of salt, sugar, fat, seasoning and processed meat may contribute to hypertension, obesity, diabetes and kidney disease.
Excessive salt can raise blood pressure and put additional strain on the kidneys, while high-calorie sauces may contribute to weight gain.
Nutrition experts advised Nigerians to eat shawarma in moderation, use less mayonnaise and other sauces, choose lean grilled meat and add more vegetables. Consumers were also urged to check vendors’ cleanliness and avoid food prepared where ingredients are exposed to flies, dust or poor handling.
A recent report by experts also warned that frequent consumption of Shawarma may increase the risk of other food-borne infections and long-term health problems.
The report contains documented cases of people who suffered vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain and weakness after eating shawarma, with some requiring hospital treatment.
According to the report, poor hygiene could allow bacteria and other contaminants into shawarma, causing illnesses including cholera, dysentery, typhoid and salmonellosis.
It also raised concerns about mayonnaise and creamy sauces kept without proper refrigeration and warned that poor storage could encourage bacterial growth and increase the risk of food poisoning.
A study cited in the report found bacterial contamination in ready-to-eat shawarma sold on the streets
Experts also raised concerns about processed meat such as sausage, noting that the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies processed meat as carcinogenic to humans.
News
Phone communication exposes married woman in the case of Abuja resident who died in a hotel
The mystery surrounding the death of a man whose body was found by the roadside in Abuja has taken a new turn, with police tracing the case through his missing mobile phone to a married woman who allegedly spent time with him at a hotel.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Sanusi, disclosed this on Saturday in Abuja, saying investigators arrested Rukayat Muhammed after tracing the deceased’s final communications.
The man was found dead on August 26 along the Kubwa Expressway, near Katampe under the bridge, after his family had earlier reported him missing.
According to the police, the case initially raised suspicion of a possible “one chance” incident. Investigators, however, established that the dead man was the missing person after identifying his remains.
Sanusi said the deceased’s mobile phone was missing and had been switched off. Police investigators subsequently traced his last known communication, leading them to Rukayat, a resident of Garki Area 2.
Investigators reportedly discovered that Rukayat, who is married, was allegedly in a romantic relationship with the deceased. The police said she had saved his contact under the name “Safiyat.”
The CP said the pair had lodged at Good Samaritan Guest House on 2nd Avenue, Gwarinpa, where the man later died.
Sanusi said Rukayat allegedly discovered that the man was no longer breathing but failed to alert the police or hotel management. Instead, she allegedly took his phone and left the hotel.
The case took another turn when hotel management later discovered the man’s body inside the room after attempts to contact the occupants failed.
Rather than reporting the discovery, two hotel staff members, Ibrahim Omeiza and Kefat Bitrus, allegedly removed the body from the room and transported it to the Kubwa Expressway, where they dumped it under the Katampe bridge.
The police said the action was apparently intended to distance the hotel and its management from the death.
Sanusi said detectives were still working to establish exactly how the man died and determine the individual roles of those connected to the incident.
He warned that anyone found to have participated in the death, concealment or abandonment of the body would face prosecution.
The commissioner said the investigation remains ongoing.
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