Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged Nigerian political leaders to review the country’s democratic system, emphasizing the need for fundamental reforms to ensure progress. Speaking at the Herbert Macaulay Memorial Colloquium in Lagos, Jonathan highlighted systemic issues such as corruption, weak institutions, and policy inconsistency as major obstacles to national development. He also called on leaders to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past, warning that failure to address these challenges could undermine the legacy of Nigeria’s founding fathers.
Jonathan’s remarks came as part of a broader critique of leadership in Nigeria, where he identified inadequate infrastructure, insecurity, and overreliance on raw material exports as additional factors hindering growth. He stressed the importance of consistent policies and stronger governance structures to build a sustainable future. The colloquium, held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, focused on commemorating the contributions of early nationalist leaders like Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Obafemi Awolowo.
The discussion also touched on the legacy of Nigeria’s independence movement, with Jonathan urging current leaders to honor the sacrifices of past generations. His comments align with ongoing debates about political accountability and the need for institutional reforms. Meanwhile, descendants of Herbert Macaulay have called on President Tinubu to return the General Post Office property in Lagos for a permanent memorial, reflecting the enduring influence of early nationalist figures on contemporary political discourse.
