Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on young Nigerians to look beyond ethnic and religious affiliations when choosing leaders, warning that such divisions remain a major threat to the country’s development.
Speaking on Talking Books African, a programme by the Rainbow Book Club, Jonathan decried Nigeria’s increasing polarisation along tribal and religious lines, describing it as a key obstacle to effective leadership and national progress.
“Nigeria today — we are divided along tribal and religious lines, and it worries me,” Jonathan said. “If we don’t make any changes, which are difficult to make, it may continue to our grandchildren.”
He noted that these divisions have compromised the country’s leadership recruitment process, leading to appointments based on sentiments rather than merit.
“When someone holds political office and wants to make an appointment, they often choose people based on tribal ties rather than competence,” he said. “Even if Mrs A is more qualified than Mrs B, the preference goes to Mrs B simply because she is from the same tribe.”
Jonathan urged Nigerian youths to resist the pull of identity politics and instead support leaders who demonstrate capability and a commitment to national unity.
