Former US president Jimmy Carter praises Jonathan as symbol of democracy in Africa

Former United States President Jimmy Carter has poured encomiums onNigeria’s former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, describing himas a symbol of democracy on the African continent.
Carter, the 39th US President, stated this while receiving Jonathanyesterday at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum located at the Carter Center in Atlanta.
The two former Presidents held a fruitful meeting at the carterCenter where they held a wide-ranging discussion on global issues andshared views on how to promote peace, democracy and good governance inAfrica and the world.
Speaking on Jonathan’s time in office, Carter said: “PresidentGoodluck Jonathan is the symbol of democracy in action. You set anexample that others African leaders should follow.”
The former American President further praised Jonathan for organizinga transparent election and easily conceding defeat and handing over tothe opposition, stressing that by doing so Jonathan showed his deepdemocratic commitment.
While responding, Jonathan stated that his actions while in office were informed by his belief in a peaceful, transparent andpeople-oriented governance, adding that Africa can only move forward through democracy and good governance.
Jonathan also commended President Carter for the exemplary manner hehad in his post-presidential life, adding that he was inspired byCarter’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 rededicatingtheir lives towards making the world a better place.
They both agreed that peaceful and stable government increase foreigndirect investment and sustainable development.
The Carter Center is a nongovernmental, not-for-profit organizationfounded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wifeRosalynn Carter and guided by a fundamental commitment to human rightsand the alleviation of human suffering.
It seeks to prevent andresolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health.
Former President Jonathan has been visiting many strategicpro-democracy institutions where he had been invited to share hisexperience in office as a promoter of democracy and advocate of goodgovernance 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 CarterCenter.
While visiting the Presidential Precinct in Charlottesville Virginia,last week Jonathan assured the international community that Africanleaders were displaying more commitment to democracy and goodgovernance, as a means of engendering sustainable development animproving the lives of the people.
He is scheduled to speak a long side with Former US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa Johnnie Carson about elections, peaceand democracy at the National Democratic Institute, and Howard University in Washington DC.