Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged the Government at the center to ensure more youths are included in its leadership structure.
The former President who revealed this via the communications officer of his foundation, Wealth Ominabo,
In commemoration of the International Democracy Day.
This year’s celebration is themed: ‘Empowering the next generation’.
Goodluck via his Information officer opined that democracy only flourishes when inclusion becomes a key party of governance.
“Democracy has become a global culture of governance because of its inherent values and virtues of freedom, human rights, equity, justice and inclusiveness,” Jonathan said.
“Democracy is an important means towards achieving peace and national aspirations because it puts citizens at the centre of governance, entrusting them with the power to determine how their country is governed and who governs them.
Participation of citizens in governance helps to build trust, ensure accountability, foster unity and promote good governance.
“Democracy draws its strength from the people. It flourishes when there is a great sense of ownership and inclusiveness of citizens in government.”
The former president decried a global decline in democracy and particularly in Africa by shrinking civic space, weak institutions, election irregularities, poverty and unconstitutional change of government.
“We need to prioritise social security issues and access to justice and de-emphasise ethnic and divisive politics to ensure that democracy thrives,” he said.
