Democracy that will pass the test of time and gain mass approval must be centred around the people, immediate past Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has said.
Osinbajo made the point on Tuesday in Yola while delivering
a lecture entitled "Democracy and Development: The Imperative of
People-Centred Governance," as part of activities marking the 59th
birthday of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, stressing that democracy is all about the
people.
Democratic governance, he said, must be participatory and
accountable, with officials of government ensuring that policies translate into
tangible benefits for the citizens.
Making references to survey findings indicating that
although many Africans prefer democracy, public satisfaction with its
performance remained low, Osinbajo attributed this to economic inequality and
poor living conditions that prevail under democracies.
Stating that democratic institutions can only retain public
trust when citizens experience meaningful improvements in their living
conditions, Osinbajo urged leaders to embrace people-centred governance by
addressing economic hardship, tackling corruption, and restoring public
confidence in democratic institutions.
The former vice president praised Fintiri for letting his
birthday become an opportunity for discussions on Nigeria’s democratic
development.
The Governor of Taraba State, Dr Agbu Kefas who was the
chairman of the occasion, advised political leaders to protect democratic
freedoms, respect citizens’ rights, and allow them freedom to express their
opinions without such opinions being viewed as an attack.
Cautioning against the use of public resources and
government institutions to suppress dissent, Kefas stressed that democracy
thrives when citizens not only freely choose their leaders but are also in a
position to question their actions.
"Public trust grows when leaders fulfil their
responsibilities and citizens exercise their rights responsibly," Kefas
asserted.
In his own remark, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri said his birthday
provided him an opportunity to express his gratitude to God and sober
reflection on his contributions to society, adding that his experiences as a
husband, father, businessman and politician have offered him opportunities to
serve humanity.
Fintiri announced plans to establish the Ahmadu Umaru
Fintiri Foundation after leaving office, explaining that the foundation would
be providing scholarships and other forms of help to vulnerable members of
society.
The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin who
was the guest of honour at Fintiri's birthday lecture, emphasised the
importance of effective communication between government and citizens in
strengthening democratic governance and encouraging public participation.
He called for improved public communication to help citizens
understand government policies and projects as well as challenges of
governance, for better public understanding and appreciation.
Dignitaries at the lecture included the National Chairman of
the All Progressives Congress, APC, as well as governors of the states of
Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, and Plateau.
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