Former President Goodluck Jonathan has stated that the results of the recent governorship election in Edo State demonstrates that technology alone cannot resolve Nigeria’s electoral problems......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
He emphasized that the root of the issue lies in the mindset of the people, not just the tools used.
Jonathan pointed out that while technology has its benefits, it can still be manipulated by individuals with corrupt intentions.
According to him, a shift in attitude is needed among Nigerians, as many approach politics with a negative mindset.
Speaking at an event organized by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) in Abuja to mark the International Day of Peace, Jonathan discussed the challenges facing Nigeria’s electoral system.
He stressed that the quest for power is a significant driver of conflict across Africa, with technology being unable to fully address these deeper issues.
Jonathan, who was honored as a Fellow of the IPCR during the event, making him the second person to receive this recognition after former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, reiterated that a corrupted electoral process could not be rectified by technology alone.
Reflecting on the aftermath of the Edo election, Jonathan expressed concern that tensions had escalated rather than subsided due to suspicions that the process was mishandled.
As the only Nigerian president to have peacefully transferred power to an opposition party after losing an election, Jonathan drew attention to the widespread conflicts across Africa, many of which stem from power struggles.
Jonathan said, “Here in Nigeria, we talk about technology. Without the human mind ready to do what is right, if we bring the technology, they will manipulate it.
Actually, 10 top countries are in conflict globally. Three of them are in sub-Saharan Africa. And quite a number of countries around us, including us, are in one form of conflict or the other.
“And when you look at what causes conflict in Africa, most cases are struggle for leadership, contestation for power. And that is the main cause of conflict.
“Sometimes when you go through a society, and you can tell all kinds of stories. But by the time you do proper analysis, and dig deep, you know that most cause of conflict is leadership struggle. That is why I’m only worried about my country Nigeria.”Sourced from Naijanews