Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Nigeria’s immediate past president, has beaten many high-profile nominees drawn from across Africa to emerge Person of the Year 2015. The prestigious award was bestowed on him by the African Leadership Magazine. The disclosure was made in a letter signed by the former Liberian Pro tem Senate president and chair, 2015 African Leadership Person of the Year Selection Committee, Cletus Wortoson.
The nominees for this year’s award include former Secretary General of the United Nations, Koffi Anan; National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu; founder of Econet Wireless; Strive Masiyiwa; Chairman of Heirs Holding, Tony Elumulelu; Executive Director of UN Women, Mlambo-Ngcuka, President of African Development Bank, AfDB, Akinwunmi Adesina. Wortoson noted that the selection committee and the African Leadership Advisory Board placed a very high premium on Jonathan’s commitment towards deepening democracy on the continent. The letter reads:
“There is no one best suited at the moment than Your Excellency, to advise the continent’s leaders on the merits of good governance and enduring democracy. Your popular mantra of ‘one man one vote’ and ‘my ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian,’ is a message that must be preached loud and clear on the continent, hence our endorsement.”
“In adopting you as our choice, we placed a very high premium on your commitment towards deepening democracy on the continent – a characteristic which is uncommon among most African leaders at the highest level today.”
“Chief among the many factors we considered was your efforts towards promoting good governance in Africa-through the promotion of free and fair elections across the continent. Your recent assignment to Tanzania received accolades and international acclaim, because, you discharged the responsibility most creditably.”
Jonathan has continued to be applauded for his “classy role” in the 2015 presidential election which marks a significant milestone in the Nigeria’s democracy. After losing the election, Jonathan congratulated his opponent, Muhammadu Buhari, and conducted a smooth transition of power.
Credit: Daily Post