PUNCH
Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday said Nigeria’s recent transition of power qualifies the country to continue to lead Africa’s democratic leadership.
He said with elections over, past and present leaders and the electorate must work together for a better future.
“Elections are over, and so we must move forward…Yes, we have challenges economically now, but we still have what it takes to lead Africa,” Jonathan told State House Correspondents after he emerged from closed-door talks with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
Referring to his active role in peace and diplomacy in West Africa and across the continent, the former President said he has been actively involved in regional dialogues, with plans to visit Kenya and Liberia in the coming days.
“I have been involved in a number of things in West Africa and Africa.
“In fact, tomorrow I will be in Kenya, and on November 14, I will be in Liberia.
“So, I am like a roving Ambassador seeing how we can bring peace to the sub-region and the continent,” said Jonathan.
While the meeting with President Tinubu was initially scheduled for last week, the former Vice President said it coincided with the recent Supreme Court verdict, which affirmed the victory of President Bola Tinubu at the February polls.
Consequently, he seized the opportunity to congratulate President Tinubu on the outcome.
During the interaction, the former President mentioned that the focus of their discussion was the progress of the nation.
He cited the recent democracy dialogue where Prof Lumumba highlighted Nigeria’s potential leadership role in Africa.
Jonathan also underscored the importance of regular consultations with the current President, particularly when it comes to foreign programmes.
“They are not personal issues,” he clarified, “traditionally, former Presidents, when going outside the country for continental or regional programmes, brief the President upon their return. That is the tradition.”
The former President’s visits to the State House, as he explained, are usually aimed at advancing Nigeria’s interests as well as those of the Economic Community of West African States and the entire African continent.
