TheCable

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has asked Nigerian youths to elect a president who will promote inclusivity.

Jonathan said this on Thursday when he visited Abdulsalami Abubakar, former head of state, at his residence in Minna, the Niger capital.

Jonathan said Nigerians should elect a president who won’t place personal interest over the interest of the general populace.

“We all wish our country well. To every Nigerian, especially the young ones, elections are coming,” he said.

“They have to elect the person they believe would lead us well; the person who will serve us well. A leader is also a servant and as a president, you are to lead and you are to serve.

“Elect somebody that will take the interest of all of us, the interest of the country; somebody that would not compromise our own interest for his own aggrandisement; someone that will carry all of us along, most especially someone that would take Nigeria as a project.”

On the reason for his visit to the former head of state, Jonathan said it is “proper” to see Abubakar who recently returned from medical treatment abroad.

He commended the former head of state for “the part he plays in maintaining peace and unity in the country”.

“It has been over a year since I visited the state. As the youngest former president, I go around from time to time to visit them. I haven’t seen him for quite some time and you know he just returned from medical treatment abroad,” Jonathan said.

“So, it is proper for me to come with some of my friends to pay a courtesy call and greet him. We also made a stop at retired general Babangida’s house to see him. It is a regular visit we always do.

“You know he chairs the national peace committee that tries to midwife peace process during elections. This is the time he is much needed.

“I know there will be so much pressure on him now to see what he can do so that the 2023 elections can be conducted freely and fairly, and in an environment where there is peace and love.”