By Henry Uche
In the face of the current economic misery in Nigeria, former Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Muhammadu Jega, has maintained that for Nigeria to come out its current socioeconomic and political quagmire, the country needs to reposition its democratic development away from the notion of mere ‘good governance’, towards the more substantive and desirable notion of ‘good democratic governance’.
The former INEC Chair who made this known at the 2024 Annual Directors Conference of the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Nigeria in Lagos, affirmed that the proposed shift to ‘good democratic governance’ must be anchored on the rule of law; on professionalism; competence; moral and ethical conduct; and specifically in the protection, defence and promotion of citizenship rights and citizens’ human dignity and security.
Delivering a keynote address on the theme, “Good Governance As A Catalyst for Economic Recovery, Growth and Development”, Jega asserted that it is also necessary to do whatever it takes to continue to enhance electoral integrity through citizens’ active participation and contentious watch-guard.
He implored patriotic Nigerians to pay serious attention to how to nurture and entrench good democratic governance, rather than mere ‘good governance’, to catalyze economic recovery, revive economic growth and place Nigeria on a sustainable trajectory of people-oriented development, which is most beneficial to Nigerian citizens.
He recommended the need for transparency and accountability in governance, and full respect for the rule of law, saying, “These are conditions for the generation of social trust, cooperation and active participation of citizens in the development of their country. This in long run will help in nurturing and sustaining good democratic governance.
“For Nigeria to develop as expected, it requires people in leadership positions who are not merely selfless, but also visionary, patriotic and people-oriented; who have the capacity, competence and ability to appreciate and manage the complexity of our diversity, on the basis of equity, equality of opportunity, fair-play and the rule of law. And, Nigeria is in need of such qualities across all levels of government, not just at the federal government level.”
He added that there is need for citizens to, in spite of the mounting and demoralizing challenges, keep hope in Nigeria alive, become active and constructive participants in the struggles to nurture and entrench good democratic governance for stable and sustainable economic growth and development of Nigeria.
In an address, the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of CIoD, Alhaji Tijjani M. Borodo, corroborated Jeja’s thoughts by pledging the Institute’s commitment to building connections and working closely with the government to shape policies that support a favourable business environment, even in challenging times, to drive wealth for the nation.
Borodo added that sound corporate governance would not only solve Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges, but attract investors and engender economic reforms.
