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Former president Dr Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday in Abuja said true governance is not anchored around an individual but about building strong institutions that can connect with the people.
He spoke at the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) summit in his capacity as the grand patron of the forum.
The theme of the event was ‘Rethinking Nation Building: Bridging the Leadership-Citizen Disconnect through Orientation, attitude, character, culture and tradition for Sustainable Development’.
Jonathan who himself was a former deputy governor was represented at the event by the former governor of Adamawa state Mr James Ngilari.
He tasked members of the forum by saying that they have a duty to mentor upcoming leaders so that they can be useful in the society.
“We have a duty to mentor aspiring leaders towards tolerance and accountability. It is our duty to live by example because public office is a trust and responsibility. Therefore, our duty is to innovate for younger people to play vital role towards nation building,” he said.
While reflecting on the theme during his remarks earlier, chairman of the forum, himself a former deputy governor of Abia state, Dr Chris Alozie Akomas, said the theme cuts straight into the core of the nation’s existential struggle.
“There is a serious disconnect at all levels. The deep and widening disconnect between those who lead and those who are led is widening. We speak of sustainable development, but no nation can develop when its people feel alienated from its story because you cannot build a durable future on a foundation of indifference,” he said.
He said that bridging the disconnect demands a new national course of action from both those who hold power and those who give it as according to him, leadership is not a badge of immunity, but a higher standard of accountability with humility and stewardship.
The director general of the forum, Dr Ibe kalu, while welcoming participants, remarked that FFDGN is working to promote the interest of members towards good governance as it engages in constructive national dialogue.
“This 5th conference represents our drive towards national discussion. We are concerned about the seeming disconnect between the people and the leaders; that is why we are resolute towards excellence,” he said.
There were key note addresses by respected Nigerians like the former minister of information, Prof Jerry Gana, who dwelt extensively on the need for leaders to initiate policies that mean well for the citizens. In particular, he charged the government against Nigeria’s porous borders which he said does not augur well for nation building.
“In nation building, the national boundaries of the country should be secured so that the people can feel safe, we must ensure justice and equity and the rule of law must prevail,” he said.
The former chairman of All progressives Congress (APC) Abdullahi Ganduje as well as the immediate past governor of Delta state Ifeanyi Okowa and others were in attendance amidst other prominent Nigerians.
This is the 5th edition of the conference since it started.
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