Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged Nigerian politicians to put the interest of the country above party loyalty, ethnic considerations and sectional interests.
Jonathan made the call on Tuesday while speaking at the 5th National Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria in Abuja.
He was represented at the event by a former Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Bala Ngilari. 
The former President identified ethnic, religious and regional divisions as major obstacles to Nigeria’s political development, urging political leaders to promote unity and a stronger sense of national identity.
He said Nigeria must remain bigger than any political party, individual or sectional interest.
Jonathan said, “One major obstacle to Nigeria’s political development is division along ethnic, religious and regional lines. We must rise above these differences and promote politics founded on competence, integrity, inclusion and national interest.”
He urged former deputy governors to deploy their experience in public service to promote national unity and mentor younger politicians entering public life.
Reflecting on his own political journey, Jonathan noted that his experience as deputy governor and governor of Bayelsa State before serving as Vice-President and President had given him a clear understanding of the demands and challenges of political leadership.
“The experience teaches patience, loyalty, consultation and teamwork.
Above all, it reminds us that governance is not about one individual but about strong institutions and service to the people,” he added.
Jonathan stressed that Nigeria’s development would depend largely on the ability of its political leaders to work across ethnic, religious and regional divides and place national interest above personal and partisan considerations.
