Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan has urged Nigerian politicians to place national interest above party loyalty and sectional considerations, declaring that Nigeria is greater than any political party and politician in the country.
Jonathan also called for national unity, stronger democratic institutions and greater commitment to good governance, saying former deputy governors had a responsibility to deploy their experience to promote national development.
He spoke on Tuesday at the 5th National Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria in Abuja.
The ex-president, represented by a former Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Bala Ngilari, warned that ethnic, religious and regional divisions remained major obstacles to Nigeria’s political development.
He said, “One major obstacle to Nigeria’s political development is division along ethnic, religious and regional lines. We must rise above these differences and promote politics founded on competence, integrity, inclusion and national interest.
“Nigeria must always be greater than any political party, individual or sectional interest.”
Jonathan, who served as deputy governor and governor of Bayelsa State before becoming vice-president and president, said his experience had taught him the importance of consultation, teamwork and strong institutions.
He urged former deputy governors to promote cordial relationships between serving governors and their deputies, mentor younger politicians and discourage divisive politics.
