FORMER President Goodluck Jonathan has warned against the consequences of Nigeria dovetailing into a one-party state.
He said any nation practising it must do so carefully and with a well-planned process and projected outcome.
He stated this in Abuja on Wednesday, May 7, while paying tribute to the late elder statesman, Edwin Clark, at a memorial lecture and day of tribute.
Jonathan warned that any attempt to create a one-party state through political machinations to soothe only personal aspirations would be detrimental to the country.
The former president also called on the family of the late former federal commissioner to, among other things, set up a yearly memorial lecture in his honour to continue to push his ideas and what he stood for, which is a united, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria.
On his part, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, lamented that the labour of Nigeria heroes past, which he said was already in vain.
The former Anambra State governor highlighted the endemic poverty in rural areas, the state of insecurity, and the rising cost of living.
He maintained that the labour of people like Pa Edwin Clark had not paid off, and the sacrifices they made were in vain.
The chairman on the occasion and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, said that the task of ensuring that Nigeria remained united and indivisible must be ensured by all, as the nation could only make progress if national interest was put before any personal interest.
This is not the first time former President Jonathan has lent his voice to the state of the nation.
In March 2025, The ICIR reported that Jonathan criticised the suspension of elected officials in Rivers state, following the emergency rule declared by Tinubu on Tuesday, March 18.
The suspended officials include the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all House of Assembly members in the state.
Recall, Edwin Clark died aged 97 on the night of Monday, February 17, according to a statement signed by C. C. Clark, for the family.
Harrison Edeh is a journalist with the International Centre for Investigative Reporting, always determined to drive advocacy for good governance through holding public officials and businesses accountable.