Nigerian politicians have been asked to shun quarrels and bitterness in politics but rather engage in robust debates on ideas as well as support structures and institutions that will help to strengthen the democratic process to meet the aspirations of the Nigerians.
President Goodluck Jonathan gave the admonition at the official opening of the Kukah Centre for faith, leadership and public policy in Abuja.
He thanked Nigerians for showing resilience in the democratic process, but stressed that politicians should see the coming elections as an opportunity to renew their commitment to deepening the democratic process.
“The developed world did not stumble into greatness by chance, rather they got there through carefully developed policies tested over time,” he said.
The official opening of the Kukah Centre attracted President Jonathan and these other Nigerian leaders because of the vision of the founder and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Bishop Matthew Kukah .
The centre is instituted to build a better Nigeria by promoting dialogue, participatory democracy and good governance, issues the President said politicians must imbibe to make Nigeria’s democratic process to work.
The chairman of the occasion and former military Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, was happy to note that the Kukah Centre would not operate legally. He renewed his call on Nigerians to be their brothers keeper, especially as the war against insurgency raged.
The founder of the Centre spoke passionately about Nigeria and what motivated him for the vision, which include; to make the centre a platform for ideas and not ethnic and religious sentiments.
Goodwill messages poured in from far and near all extolling Bishop Kukah’s effort to make Nigeria a better place.
Interfaith dialogue is the core of the Centre. Guests departed from the Centre after the opening, but they are confident that the Kukah Centre will in the long run be a major contributor to how best to govern Nigeria.
