Jonathan bags democracy, peace award, urges African leaders to build legacies

Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan has bagged the ‘African Democracy and Peace Icon Award’ at the maiden edition of the African Heritage Concert and Awards in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.

Jonathan who spoke at the event last Saturday, urged African leaders to seek to improve the lives of the people they serve, stressing that such a legacy of good works would speak for them after they leave office.

He also advised leaders to prioritise the rights and humanity of the citizens, adding that the welfare of citizens should guide national aspirations and development initiatives on the continent.

Speaking further, he emphasised that leaders must run their countries properly and efficiently, and “not dehumanise human beings and make their lives difficult.”

“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.

The organisers — Heritage Times (HT) — said the event was strategically packaged to celebrate and honour African greats who have distinguished themselves in their various fields of endeavour and have made a sustainable global impact in promoting the continent.

Other awardees included the former President of Tanzania, the late John Magufuli; the Vice President of Liberia, Chief Dr Jewel Howard-Taylor and the former President of Botswana, Seretse Ian Khama.