Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that politics should not be reduced to a playground for unruly conduct.

Jonathan said this on Thursday at the 10th anniversary dinner of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, an event that also doubled as a celebration of his 68th birthday.

He warned that Nigeria’s democracy is being suffocated by reckless political behaviour, arguing that leadership must be anchored on responsibility, nation-building, and restraint.

According to him, sustaining democratic stability requires civility and a genuine sense of accountability from all political actors.

UGAMATV reports that the gathering brought together an impressive mix of African statesmen, diplomats, political leaders, and business figures.

“Politics is not for rascals. It is for people who want to build, not destroy,” Jonathan said, warning that the rising tide of aggressive rhetoric and hostile political behaviour is weakening democratic resilience across the continent.

He reflected on the experience that inspired the creation of his foundation, noting that its work over the past decade has focused on diplomacy, governance reforms, peacebuilding, mediation, and the strengthening of democratic institutions.

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Jonathan also lamented the recent spate of violent attacks and abductions across the country, urging leaders at every level to take their responsibility to citizens more seriously and ensure the protection of lives while safeguarding the nation’s democratic order.