Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has urged African nations to promote leadership within the age bracket of 25 to 50 years, arguing that younger leaders tend to be more vigorous, both mentally and physically, to bear the heavy demands of governance.
Jonathan made the remarks on Thursday at the International Memorial Lecture and Leadership Conference commemorating the 50th anniversary of the assassination of former Nigerian Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, held in Abuja.
Recalling the strain of leadership during his tenure, Jonathan highlighted the importance of stamina and resilience in those who govern. “Why do we begin to think that you must be a hundred years old before you can rule your country?” he questioned, referencing periods in office when he often managed with less than two hours’ sleep in a day. “If you subject an older person to that kind of stress, they will spend 50 per cent of the time in hospital,” he added.
Jonathan aligned his views with the “Not Too Young To Run” movement, emphasizing the need to lower age thresholds for political office. “We should look within the 25 to 50 age bracket for leaders who are vibrant, physically strong, and mentally sound,” he stated.
Addressing the challenges of political absenteeism, Jonathan criticized some public office holders for spending excessive time away from their constituencies. “In countries like the United States, some governors do not leave their states for four years. But here, some of our governors spend 50 per cent of their time outside. So who runs the state? Why will we not have security problems?” he asked.
The former president held up General Murtala Muhammed as an exemplar of youthful, decisive leadership. Muhammed assumed power at 38 and, despite a brief 200-day tenure, left a profound legacy marked by dedication to national service rather than self-interest. Jonathan noted other precedents, such as General Yakubu Gowon, who became Head of State at 32 and introduced enduring institutions like the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
“Leadership is not about age alone,” Jonathan cautioned, stressing the indispensable roles of discipline, patriotism, and institutional strength. “Democracy requires vision rather than decree. It depends on institutions, not on individuals. Above all, it requires respect for the rule of law and the willingness to submit power to the will of the people,” he said.
Urging a shift in mindset, Jonathan called for leaders to perceive governance as stewardship and urged young Africans to embrace leadership as service rather than entitlement. “Young people must see leadership as service, not entitlement. Leaders must see governance as stewardship, not a right,” he emphasized.
Jonathan concluded with a reminder on leadership legacy: “Leadership is not measured by how long you govern; it is measured by the courage to act decisively when the nation needs direction and by the impact you make on society.”
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**Contextual Note:**
Jonathan’s call resonates amidst ongoing debates about generational shifts in African politics, where many countries grapple with leadership continuity and the role of youth empowerment. Critics argue that age alone does not guarantee effective leadership, emphasizing the importance of experience and institutional reforms. Nonetheless, the growing youth population across Africa has increasingly demanded a greater voice in governance and decision-making.
Would you like me to provide a sidebar with background on General Murtala Muhammed or elaborate on Nigeria’s “Not Too Young To Run” movement?
