He noted that leadership requires unusual stamina and resilience, arguing that younger leaders are better positioned to withstand the pressure. Reflecting on the legacy of General Murtala Muhammed, Jonathan said the late leader demonstrated that age was not a barrier to decisive and visionary leadership. “His leadership sent a clear message: leadership was to serve the national interest, not personal ambition,” Jonathan said. He urged African leaders to view governance as stewardship rather than entitlement and encouraged young people to see leadership as service. Calling on Nigerians and Africans to draw lessons from history, Jonathan said leadership should be measured by impact rather than duration in office.

Source: Punch February 13, 2026 00:28 UTC