Jonathan bags Democracy Icon award in Kigali, urges leaders to prioritise service
Former President Goodluck Jonathan received the “African Democracy and Peace Icon” honour at the inaugural African Heritage Concert and Awards in Kigali.
Jonathan told African leaders at the award event to always work to enhance the lives of the peoples they serve, according to his media aide, Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, who made the statement in Abuja on Monday.
Jonathan is cited by him as saying that a legacy of good deeds will speak for the leaders long after they have left power.
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The rights and humanity of the people should be prioritised, Jonathan added, adding that national goals and development projects on the continent should be based on the welfare of the people.
He said the duty of leaders was to run their countries properly and efficiently, and “not to dehumanise human beings and make their lives difficult.
“What people will remember you for is what should guide your decisions.
“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 well,’’? he queried.
Jonathan also thanked the organisers of the event, Heritage Times for a successful programme, saying that such gesture of appreciation would encourage African leaders to do more towards improving the lives of the people.
“I was president of Nigeria for only five years.
“I believe the little contributions I made within that period and probably after leaving office might have convinced the organisers to honour me as the Icon of Democracy and Peace in Africa.
“This means that it is not actually how long you stay in office that will make people remember you, but how well you served them and the little impact you make.” he said.
Other award recipients at the ceremony were former President of Tanzania, deceased Mr John Magufuli (post-humous); Vice President of Liberia, Chief Dr Jewel Howard-Taylor and former President of Botswana, Seretse Ian Khama.
