Don’t abuse power, Jonathan tells African leaders

President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday in Addis Ababa frowned at impunity and gross abuse of power among African leaders, enjoining them to put in place an enduring culture of accountability.
Addressing a special summit of African Heads of State and Government, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity/African Union in the Ethiopian capital, the President stressed the need to deepen democratic practice on the continent.
“Democracy must be allowed to flourish unimpeded in all our countries. We must end the culture of abuse of power and impunity. We must embrace the culture of accountability, equity and justice,” he told the gathering.
Speaking further on the need to give democracy a chance, the President said: “We must commit to deepen our democratic governance and rule of law. We must give voice to and respect the wishes of our people when they express them democratically freely and openly.
“Democracy must be allowed to flourish unimpeded in all our countries. We must end the culture of abuse of power and impunity. We must embrace the culture of accountability, equity and justice.
“We must commit anew to win our battle against poverty, hunger and disease. Africa can and must take care of its most vulnerable population, especially its youths, women and the physically challenged.”
In spite of the attainment of political independence by African countries, Jonathan regretted that most countries are yet to overcome the challenges of neo-colonialism, poverty, disease, violent conflicts, environmental degradation, underdevelopment and economic dependency.
He said: “So my message today is very simple. Africa must declare an end to the era of self inflicted wars and conflicts. Africa must usher in an era of transformation, peace, stability and sustainable development.
“We all know that the wars we fight sap our strength, divert our resources and destroy precious lives and property. We know that these conflicts hold Africa back. We must bring them to an end immediately to give Africa respite and space to develop and realize its potentials for greatness.”
President Jonathan, therefore, called on the leaders to take pragmatic steps and that could lead to the implementation of all the available frameworks to curtail the proliferation and illicit trade in small arms and light weapons on the continent.
The special session is also being attended by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, retired General Yakubu Gowon and former South African President Thabo Mbeki.