TheCable

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on the federal government to ensure that more young people participate in governance.

The former president made the call in a statement released on Thursday by Wealth Ominabo, communications officer of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, to mark International Democracy Day.

International Democracy Day is observed annually on September 15 with the purpose of promoting and upholding the principles of democracy.

This year’s celebration is themed: ‘Empowering the next generation’.

According to the chairperson of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, democracy draws its strength from the people and flourishes when there is a great sense of ownership and inclusiveness.

“Democracy has become a global culture of governance because of its inherent values and virtues of freedom, human rights, equity, justice and inclusiveness,” Jonathan said.

“Democracy is an important means towards achieving peace and national aspirations because it puts citizens at the centre of governance, entrusting them with the power to determine how their country is governed and who governs them.

“Participation of citizens in governance helps to build trust, ensure accountability, foster unity and promote good governance.

“Democracy draws its strength from the people. It flourishes when there is a great sense of ownership and inclusiveness of citizens in government.”

The former president noted that democracy is experiencing a global decline and has been worsened in Africa by shrinking civic space, weak institutions, election irregularities, poverty and unconstitutional change of government.

“We need to prioritise social security issues and access to justice and de-emphasise ethnic and divisive politics to ensure that democracy thrives,” he said.

Jonathan added that for democracy to endure, the promises of freedom, peace and justice must be felt and experienced by all citizens.