JONATHAN CALLS FOR INCLUSIVENESS IN GOVERNANCE

• Wants opposition to participate in government
• Gov. Abiodun extols Obasanjo at 87

Above: Former Presidents Jonathan and Obasanjo and below: Gov. Abiodun

A former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has called for inclusiveness in governance in the nation's democracy as he insisted that good leadership would be enshrined when a serving president brings on board someone from the opposition.

Dr. Jonathan was speaking at the lecture titled, "Quality Leadership and Inclusive Democracy as Catalysts for Development in a Strife-Ridden World', held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta to celebrate the 87th birthday of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, also a former president.

The former president maintained that there was need to review the issue of ‘winner takes it all’’ in politics because a sitting president is not for his party alone but all citizens of the country.

Dr.Jonathan who was the Chairman at the lecture observed that access to justice, electoral infractions and tribalism were some of the factors working against quality leadership in the country.

Also at the lecture, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun described Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as a leading voice in the quest for political emancipation, good governance, anti-corruption and social justice.

Abiodun, while complimenting Chief Obasanjo for being deeply connected to his roots, acknowledged him as a globally respected democratic leader, whose passion and vision for Africa had led to quality leadership for desired economic development.

He eulogised the former leader, referring to him as a Pan-African, detribalised Nigerian and commended him for his leadership qualities and hindsight to germane issues towards the development of the country.

Meanwhile, a former President of Slovenia and the Chairman of Club De Madrid, Danilo Turk, said it was important that people were allowed to choose their leader, adding that democracy should be beyond the elites in any country.

The former Slovenian President also stated that fighting for democratic culture was key to democracy and the development of the society.