Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on the National Assembly to propose a Bill of Rights that would guarantee equality and end discrimination and tribalism.
This is contained in a statement on Monday in Abuja by Jonathan’s Special Adviser, Media, Mr Ikechukwu Eze.
Jonathan made the suggestion while delivering a lecture at the Bloomberg Television Centre in London before an elite audience of Nigerian professionals and diplomats.
He said that the bill, when passed into law would guarantee equality and end discrimination so as to deepen Nigeria’s growth and development.
Nigeria, according to the former President, needed such deeply entrenched freedom, peace and unity to make meaningful progress.
“For this to happen, it is imperative that both the executive and the legislative arms of government institute a Bill of Rights.
“The Bill of Rights will end discrimination and tribalism and promote equality that will enable everyone to work towards the common goal for the development of the nation.
“A Bill of Rights which like the British Magna Carta, some 800 years ago, will enshrine the principle of habeas corpus so that no person is deprived of his liberty without a trial,” he explained.
Jonathan also highlighted the achievements of his administration, especially in the areas of agriculture, education, youth empowerment and peace building in Africa.
He restated his commitments towards upholding democratic principles and energising citizen entrepreneurship and intra-Africa trade through the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation.
On his vision for his country, the former President said he wanted “a Nigeria where you are judged on merit and not your origins; a Nigeria where you can get the education you want and the future you choose.
“I also want a Nigeria whose government serves the people and is not above the law; a country whose government invests in its resources above the ground and not just the resources below.
“A place where we all work together, rather than allow ourselves to be divided by tribalism or prejudice,” he said.
