Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has cautioned that Nigeria must tread carefully with any attempt to establish a single-party state, warning that such a move could destabilize the country if driven by selfish motives rather than national consensus.
He gave the warning in Abuja during a tribute and memorial lecture in honour of the late statesman, Chief Edwin Clark.
Jonathan stressed that any nation contemplating a one-party rule must approach it with a clear vision and structure to avoid endangering its democracy.
Jonathan also encouraged the Clark family to institutionalize the elder statesman’s ideals through an annual memorial lecture to foster the values of equity and national cohesion he stood for.
In his remarks, Peter Obi lamented that the dreams of Nigeria’s founding leaders are being eroded.
The Labour Party’s former presidential hopeful pointed to widespread poverty, worsening insecurity, and economic hardship as indicators that their efforts have not borne fruit.
General Yakubu Gowon, who chaired the event, added that Nigeria’s future depends on a collective resolve to preserve unity and set aside personal agendas in favour of national progress.
