Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on African countries to initiate a change in their leadership demographics, asserting that the continent needs directors aged 25 to 50 to adequately handle the rigorous complexities of modern governance.
Jonathan delivered these remarks on Thursday in Abuja at the International Memorial Lecture and Leadership Conference commemorating the 50th anniversary of Murtala Ramat Muhammed's assassination.
Discussing the stamina required for leadership roles, Jonathan noted that effective governance demands both physical and mental endurance, reflecting on the considerable pressure he faced during his presidency.
"Why do we assume that one must be extremely old to lead a country?" he questioned.
He maintained that younger individuals are generally more capable of enduring the pressures tied to national leadership responsibilities.
"If they are required to stay alert for 24 hours, they can do it. During my tenure, there were days I rested for less than two hours. Subjecting an older individual to that level of stress could result in significant health complications," Jonathan explained.
He advocated for Africa to establish channels that facilitate younger individuals stepping into positions of governance, highlighting energy and resilience as vital attributes for effective leadership.
"When we are seeking individuals to govern nations in Africa, we should primarily consider those in the 25 to 50 age range; this is the period when one is most energetic, physically robust, and mentally equipped," he asserted.
Supporting Youth Engagement in Politics
Jonathan showed support for Nigeria’s youth participation initiative, the Not Too Young To Run movement, which aims to reduce age restrictions for running for public office.
"I must emphasize the importance of the Not Too Young To Run movement. We need to lower some of these age constraints," he stated.
He reminisced on a time when candidates were required to be at least 40 years old to pursue roles such as senator, governor, or deputy governor.
"I recall contesting as a deputy governor candidate at the time when the minimum age for those roles was 40, while the celebrated Head of State we honor today took office at just 38," he reflected.
Insights from Murtala Muhammed and Gowon
Commenting on Murtala Muhammed's enduring legacy, Jonathan characterized the late military leader as evidence that age does not impede effective governance. Muhammed assumed the presidency at 38 and, although his tenure lasted only 200 days, Jonathan described it as significantly impactful.
"General Murtala Muhammed took office at the young age of 38. Despite his brief term, his accomplishments were profound, driven by a palpable vision," he noted.
He also referenced Yakubu Gowon, who became Head of State at the age of 32 and guided Nigeria through the civil war while later establishing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
"A young man of 32 was able to steer the nation through civil upheaval. So why do we still think governance must be an elderly pursuit?" he questioned.
Critique of Current Governance Trends
The former president further critiqued what he described as the excessive foreign travels of some public officials, arguing that such absentee leadership undermines effective governance and security.
"In a country like the United States, certain governors may go four years without leaving their states. Conversely, many of our governors spend half of their time abroad. Who is managing the state in their absence? Why are we not facing security challenges?" he proposed.
He insisted that leadership should be accompanied by discipline and accountability, irrespective of age.
The Necessity of Strong Democratic Institutions
While acknowledging the decisiveness often associated with military-led governance, Jonathan warned that democratic leadership functions differently and must be underpinned by solid institutions, not just powerful personalities.
"Democracy requires a vision driven by persuasion instead of mandates. It relies on institutions rather than individuals," he stated.
Furthermore, he highlighted the fundamental need for reliable electoral bodies, an independent judiciary, professional security forces, and transparent governance in sustaining democracy.
"General Murtala Muhammed exemplified decisive governance; however, our future in democracy hinges on the strength of our institutions. Democracy equally requires restraint and respect for legal frameworks," he concluded.
Leadership as a Service
Jonathan urged aspiring young politicians as well as current leaders to perceive governance as a form of service, rather than a claim to entitlement.
"The youth must regard leadership as a commitment to serve and not as a privilege. Leaders should treat governance as stewardship rather than as a right," he asserted.
"As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of General Murtala Muhammed’s legacy, let it serve as a reminder that leadership is evaluated not by tenure but by the decisiveness to act in times of need and the significant influence one has on society."
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