Former President Goodluck Jonathan has suggested that Nigeria establish two buildings in Abuja to exhibit pictures of individuals responsible for the country’s woes.
Speaking at the book launch of former Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, in Abuja on Tuesday, Jonathan argued that such an initiative would help future generations recognise the negative roles their ancestors played in Nigeria’s history.
“Maybe one day, we will have two big buildings in Abuja where we will put pictures of people – whether dead or alive – who have messed up this country so that their grandchildren will know their forefathers were part of Nigeria’s problems,” he stated.
Jonathan criticised Nigerians for tolerating bad behaviour from political leaders, insisting that accountability from leaders would only come when citizens reject misconduct.
“We, Nigerians, celebrate the wrong thing. And I believe one day, the country will get to the level where people will reject bad behaviour,” he said.
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On election security, Jonathan condemned the use of military personnel for election duties, stressing that it overstretches the armed forces.
He advocated for elections to be managed by the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), citing examples from Botswana and Senegal where military involvement is minimal.
“I just came back from Botswana some months back during the election. It’s a very small country with a small population, so almost all the police officers were used for the election,” he noted.
At the same event, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, asserted that the credibility of elections depends on the integrity of those in charge. He recalled how he ensured a fair electoral process in his state during Jonathan’s administration.
“I approached him and said, ‘Mr. President, I don’t want a single vote that doesn’t belong to me. Let the election be free and fair,” Obi stated.
He further argued that addressing corruption among public officials would positively impact security, stating, “When we stop stealing as public officers, all these criminals equally learn from us, and even policemen will do their work better.”
