Former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has called for the entrenchment
of a culture of integrity across both the corporate and civil spaces
as a way of addressing the problems associated with governance,
democracy and development in the country.
Dr. Jonathan stated this on Wednesday in Lagos at the 40th anniversary
dinner of the Institute of Directors (IoD Nigeria), where he also
made a case for closer cooperation among African leaders, especially
former and serving presidents, stressing that Africa needs such
synergy, to ensure peace and progress on the continent.
Noting that there is a trust gap between leaders and the people of the
continent, the former President emphasised that the challenge could
only be addressed by honest and dependable leaders.
He said: “A culture of integrity is what is needed to address many of
the challenges confronting governance in our country. When integrity
is entrenched as a culture and a corporate lifestyle in many
organizations, the problems associated with corruption, dishonesty,
poor governance, and even election management will be significantly
addressed.
He also noted that cordial relations exist among Nigeria’s former
leaders, describing the development as commendable and healthy for
the nation.
In this regard, he commended IoD for the cooperation among its
leaders, saying: “I have also noticed a similar trend within your
Institute, where former Presidents cooperate and advise the current
President and Chairman of Governing Council.
“This, regrettably, is not the case in some African countries where
political transitions and relations between serving and former leaders
are quite challenging and unhealthy because of unnecessary rivalry. In
some of these countries former presidents and sitting Presidents are
like enemies who hardly talk to one another.
“In Africa, We need to develop a sustainable political culture that
treats elections as a contestation of ideas, where whoever wins will
be disposed to run the country with other broadminded patriots for the
benefit of the citizens.”
Dr. Jonathan further charged members to continue to strive to project
IoD as the go-to organization for integrity and exemplary leadership.
“A place like IoD, given the reputation you have built for yourselves,
could serve as a think tank or policy institute where corporate and
political leaders could visit to test their ideas for responsible
leadership and good governance. It can also serve as the place where
leaders could go to headhunt for tested and trusted technocrats to
occupy strategic national positions; those that would justly deploy
their skill and experience in exemplary service to the nation. This is
my hope for IoD Nigeria as you celebrate this milestone. “
