In a heartfelt tribute, Mr. Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party and former Governor of Anambra State, praised former Nigerian President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for his dedication to democracy. Obi’s remarks came during the 2024 Democracy Day Dialogue in Benin, organized by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation.
Obi joined numerous dignitaries at the event, including Jonathan’s wife, Patience, and several former African leaders. In his speech, he commended Jonathan for overseeing a free, fair, and credible election during his tenure, despite the outcome being against him. “This singular, immeasurable sacrifice of conducting a free, fair, and credible election and accepting the result, even against him, was for the peace, progress, and future of the nation,” Obi stated.
Obi emphasized that conducting free and fair elections is the cornerstone of democracy and crucial for building a new Nigeria. “I have always maintained that conducting a free and fair election is the most important foundation of democracy and the building of a new Nigeria that is possible,” he said.
Furthermore, Obi lauded Jonathan for his significant contributions to education in Nigeria, highlighting it as essential for national development. Despite these efforts, Obi expressed concern over Nigeria’s low human development indicators. “Sadly, in the area of human development index; education, health, and pulling people out of poverty, Nigeria has remained low. With a human capital score of 0.36, Nigeria is ranked 168th out of 174 countries on the human capital index,” he noted.
Obi called for more investment in education and poverty alleviation to address the ongoing crises and insecurity in the nation. “We must invest in education and pull people out of poverty to end the crises and insecurity rocking the nation,” he urged.
The event was well-attended, with notable figures including the host Governor, H.E. Godwin Obaseki and his wife Betsy; former President of Kenya, Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta; former President of Benin Republic, Thomas Boni Yayi; former Vice President of Zambia, Dr. Nevers Mumba; and former Vice President of Nigeria, Namadi Sambo.
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