Nigeria @ 55: ‘Why Jonathan should be declared hero of our democracy

As Nigeria marked its 55th Independence Anniversary on Thursday, Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, has advocated that former President Goodluck Jonathan should be declared the hero of Nigeria’s democracy and a man of honour, for the role he (Jonathan) played by anchoring a free, credible and fair polls that ushered the current leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.

File photo: Fayose-and-Jonathan

Fayose in his Independence Day broadcast, to mark the 19th anniversary of the creation of Ekiti State, as well as Nigeria’s 55th independence anniversary, said: “My dear good people of Ekiti State, I congratulate you for witnessing another great day in the life of our dear state. Today marks the 19th anniversary of the creation of Ekiti State and the 55th independence anniversary of our country, Nigeria, from colonial powers. But today calls for sober reflection, going by events in and around our nation. The situation has never been this bad in the country and there is nothing to celebrate.

“Our country is growing in age as an independent country, but there is no corresponding growth in values. Those who are supposed to help propel those core values are muzzling the opposition and the imaginary enemies. The current leadership in the country should have the courage to probe all the leaderships of the past. There should be no sacred cow, if truly they have anything to offer.

“The mismanagement of yesteryears, especially since we started the Fourth Republic, should be probed. It will not augur well for our nation, if we are selective in the dispensation of justice. Leaders must be equitable and fair to all. Everybody must be diligent in playing our parts. The current civilian dispensation in the country must be supported and allowed to thrive.

“Former President Goodluck Jonathan played his role and posterity will have a good place for him in history. He anchored free, credible and fair polls that ushered in the current leadership in the country. President Jonathan should be declared the hero of our democracy and a man of honour,” he sued.