Former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has called on African leaders to find ways to improve the lives of the people they serve, stressing that the legacy of such good works speaks for them. after they leave the office.
The former president said last weekend in the Rwandan capital Kigali, where he won the ‘African Peace and Democracy Icon Award’ at the first edition of the African Heritage and Concert Awards.
Dr. Jonathan, who has advised leaders to prioritize the rights and humanity of citizens, also noted that the well-being of citizens should guide national aspirations and development initiatives on the continent.
Adding, Dr. Jonathan stressed that leaders must run their countries properly and effectively, while “not demeaning human humanity and making life difficult for them.” Surname”.
“What people will remember you for is what should guide our decisions, and I believe every leader should begin to think that when he leaves office, one day he will be remembered one way or the other, positively or negatively.”
“Will the world remember you for killing people? Will the world remember you for unnecessarily jailing people, will the world remember you for destroying their systems or will you be remembered for doing good?”, he queried.
Other honorees include the former President of Tanzania, the late John Magufuli; the Vice President of Liberia, Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor and the former President of Botswana, Seretse Ian Khama.
Dr. Jonathan, who thanked the event organizers, Heritage Times (HT) for a successful program, also argued that such a gesture of appreciation would encourage African leaders to do more. more to improve people’s lives.
He stated further:
“I was president of Nigeria for only five years. I believe the little contributions I made within that period and probably after leaving office may have convinced the organisers to honor me today as the Icon of Democracy and Peace in Africa.
“This means that it is not actually how long you stay in the office that will make people remember you but how well you served them and the little impact you make.”
