Jonathan symbol of democracy in Africa – Carter

Former United States President Jimmy Carter has poured encomiums on Nigeria’s former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The 39th US President described Jonathan as a symbol of democracy on the African continent.

He made the remark while receiving Jonathan at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum located at the Carter Center in Atlanta.

They were said to have held a fruitful meeting at the Carter Center where they held a wide-ranging discussion on global issues and shared views on how to promote peace, democracy and good governance in Africa and the world.

Speaking on Jonathan’s time in office, Carter said: “President Goodluck Jonathan is the symbol of democracy in action. You set an example that other African leaders should follow.”

The former American President also praised Jonathan for organizing a transparent election and easily conceding defeat and handing over to the opposition.

By so doing, he said that Jonathan showed his deep democratic commitment.

Responding, Jonathan said that his actions while in office were informed by his belief in a peaceful, transparent and people-oriented governance, adding that Africa can only move forward through democracy and good governance.

He commended President Carter for the exemplary manner he had in his post-presidential life, adding that he was inspired by Carter’s commitment to causes that advance the path of humanity.

Jonathan and Carter share a common experience as one term Presidents and have both retired involuntarily from politics while rededicating their lives towards making the world a better place.

They both agreed that peaceful and stable government increase foreign direct investment and sustainable development.

The Carter Center is a nongovernmental, not-for-profit organization founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn Carter and guided by a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering.

It seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health.

Jonathan has been visiting many strategic pro-democracy institutions where he had been invited to share his experience in office as a promoter of democracy and advocate of good governance in Africa.

He had so far been hosted by the Presidential Precinct in Virginia, John Kennedy School of Government, King Center as well as the Carter Center.

While visiting the Presidential Precinct in Charlottesville Virginia, last week Jonathan assured the international community that African leaders were displaying more commitment to democracy and good governance, as a means of engendering sustainable development an improving the lives of the people.

He is scheduled to speak a long side with Former US Secretary of State Johnnie Carson about elections, peace and democracy at the National Democratic Institute, and Howard University in Washington DC.