Jonathan, African Leaders Brainstorm On Democracy, Development
Former President Goodluck Jonathan and other African leaders, Thursday, brainstormed on issues of democracy and crises on the African continent, with a view to boosting development.
They spoke during the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue Series: ‘Breaking New Grounds in the Democracy Development Nexus in Africa,’ at the Local Content Tower Conference Hall in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The panel discussants were former President of Sierra Leone, Bai Koroma; former Vice President of the Gambia, Fatuomata Tambajang; Prof Ibaba Samuel Ibaba; and Ambassador Joe Keshi, among others.
Dignitaries included Dame Patience Jonathan, Dr Gloria Diri as well as Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki; Bayelsa deputy governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; deputy governors of Oyo and Bauchi states, serving and former federal and state lawmakers; King Alfred Diete-Spiff; King Bubaraye Dakolo; and King Joshua Igbugburu.
The former President, who is also the Chairman and Founder of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF), said the GJF Annual Democracy Dialogue is an initiative that brings together stakeholders across Africa to examine issues of democracy and crises in the continent.
Jonathan noted: “Democracy in the continent has gone through a period of crises that thrive by social tension, coup d’état, insecurity and poor management of electoral process, which in itself is a threat to our democracy in Africa.
“The challenges of poverty and unemployment and non-attainment of basic economic rights have created a crisis of trust in the hearts of citizens on the role and impact of democracy in our society. These issues have begun to question the fate of democracy as well as impact on the peace, security and development of the continent.”
