Jonathan proof that there is hope for Nigeria, says Agbaje

Jimi Agbaje, a pharmacist and Lagos state gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has lauded Goodluck Jonathan for his sportsmanship in the presidential election.

Speaking while delivering a lecture titled ‘Democracy and Good Governance in Nigeria’ at a symposium marking the 50th birthday celebration of Opeyemi Agbaje, chief executive officer of RTC Advisory Services Ltd, he said the president, by conceding, defeat has shown that there is hope for the country.

“What Jonathan did gives us hope. I don’t know how many of you know about chaos in Nigeria. All Jonathan needed to do was to sit down and do nothing,” he said.

“You know, like in every government, you have the hawks, ready to move. He didn’t even wait for the results to be completed because if he had waited, it may have been too late.

“He decided: I’m going to leave a legacy that is different from what they want to push me into, and so it takes a man of character to say, ‘What am I going to lose? If nothing else, let me be remembered that I made this work.’

“Some of the president’s people are saying to him: You see now? You made Jega INEC chairman! You see now? Professor Jega came in with credentials of being an impartial umpire. He was chosen because of that.

“The president wanted to show the world that he wanted INEC to be independent and that he could deliver free and fair elections. You go to the states and see people they put there, people who cannot say anything against the government of the state. These are not democrats.

“So, for me, there is hope. We will just continue to pray that we will be able to do lot more of that in different ways.”

Agbaje also took time out to challenge politicians on the issue of godfathers and moneybags, highlighting the negative impact on democracy in the country.

“It’s a whole new business; people say we can raise you a billion naira but our cut is 20 to 30 per cent. So they make 200 to 300 million, which is enough to last them for another four years. It’s not a system that can guarantee good governance and democracy,” he said.

“You will get into office alright, but you can’t deliver good governance.”

The event also featured a panel discussion titled ‘Business Strategy in Nigeria’ and presentation of two books authored by the celebrants: Uncomplex Strategy, and Democracy Without Democrats, both of which were published by Goriite Publishing Limited.

Panelist include Tosin Runsewe, chief executive/chief client officer, Mansard group; Rasheed Olaoluwa, chief executive officer, Bank of Industry; Adedoyin Odunfa, chief executive officer, Digital Jewels Ltd; and Mezuo Nwuneli, managing director, Sahel capital and AACE Foods Ltd.