…election mustn’t be do or die – Ex-Ghana VP Bawumia
By Joy Baba-Yesufu
Amidst growing cost of living, Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians that the current administration will continue to provide the values of the democratic systems by fixing the economy, securing communities, fighting corruption, strengthening the independence of the judiciary and improving national unity.
Shettima spoke on Monday in Abuja, at the National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria, with the theme: “Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathways to Good Governance and Political Integrity,” organised by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development.
Other organisations involved in the conference include; Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WfD), Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA) and National Peace Committee.
The Vice President who was represented by his Special Adviser on Political Issues, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed said while democracy is not a perfect system, it is still considered the best form of government.
“I would like to assure Nigerians that our administration is acutely aware of many concerns over our direction and goals, particularly given the difficulties which some of our policies inevitably generate. We are involved in correcting many defects in our economy and approaches to securing the citizens. We have been honest to admit that this transition from a broken past and a promising future will not be without a price, and we will remain focused on easing the pain and ensuring that we do not take our eyes off the goals.
“We will listen and adjust where necessary, and we will account our stewardship in all matters our challenging democratic systems demands. I am convinced that Nigeria shall rise again, answer to its full potential and lead the way to a future that has learnt lessons from a difficult past into a world in which our country will be a key player, and our young will be active champions of a democratic system.
“It has been said many times that democracy is an imperfect system, yet superior to all others. We will continue to seek to provide evidence of the values of the democratic systems by, among others, fixing major weaknesses of our economy, securing our communities, fighting corruption, supporting free and fair elections, strengthening the independence of the judiciary and improving national cohesion. I would like to appeal to fellow Nigerians to join us in this challenging but ultimately rewarding journey,” he said.
He added that the current administration has a major interest in the quality of the democratic system and a key responsibility in improving the elements of democratic system.
“This reminds us that we owe our current positions to the democratic process, and it is our duty to continually police its effectiveness and impact on the lives of all Nigerians,” he stated.
According to him, there is a huge responsibility on the shoulders of elected leaders in Nigeria to market democracy in terms of the quality of governance, their conduct, and disposition towards the rule of law and respect for the welfare and security of citizens.
“Nigerian democracy must mean a lot more than asking Nigerians to line up every four years to elect leaders. It must mean, in practical terms, that leaders commit to the demands of elected leadership in very transparent manners, that mandates given to them to govern make them servants to the interests of the people, custodians of their assets, and protectors of their interests. The best leaders are people who exercise power only to promote the interests of their people.
“These interests include making laws that are consistent with the economic welfare and security of the citizen; that the judiciary is free from interference and corruption; that institutions and structures of governance function with the highest standards of efficiency and integrity; that citizens’ voices are heard and respected not just during elections; and the basic rules of competition between parties and interests are respected,” he added.
In his keynote address, the guest speaker and former Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia explained that he conceded defeat in the recent Ghana presidential election to douse tension.
Bawumia said despite the imperfections of democracy, it remains the preferred form of governance that can guarantee individual liberties and rights.
He further stated that for democracy to thrive and be strengthened, the ambition for the country must be paramount and must supersede the individual ambition of political actors.
“Elections are not do-or-die affairs. That’s what we must understand. The right of the citizenry to choose leaders in a free, transparent manner is sacrosanct and remains one of the most vital angles of a true democratic dispensation.
“By choosing and or changing leaders through the ballot box, the vote necessary is not sufficient to guarantee a true flourishing democratic culture,” he added.
According to him, one of the most important determinants of a thriving democracy is the quality of institutions capable of guaranteeing rights, including property rights, and checking the brazen abuse of power.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the convener and founding Executive Director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, said the conference was convened to chart a vision for a democracy that is genuine, strong and inclusive.
“As many of us know, Nigeria’s democratic journey, though spanning 25 years of uninterrupted civilian rule, is beset by structural and functional flaws. These range from electoral malpractices, ineffective political parties, and weakened governance structures to pervasive corruption and a concerning erosion of public trust.
“Despite decades of democratic practice, the realities faced by Nigerians today often reflect disillusionment rather than hope. The goal of this conference, therefore, is to reignite hope, rebuild trust, and lay out a road map toward a strengthened democratic system that serves all Nigerians with integrity and accountability,” he said.
Igbuzor said the conference anticipates several important outcomes which will include; Increased Public Awareness and Engagement: Through the insights and knowledge shared to enhance public understanding of the critical need for democratic reform.
Some of the dignitaries that attended the conference include; Peter Obi, former governors; Victor Ubong Attah, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, Kayode Fayemi, Abdulfatah Ahmed, Waziri Tambuwa and Emeka Ihedioha. Also former Ministers such as; Bolaji Abdullahi and Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba. Also past Senators; Ben Obi, Abiodu Olujimi as well as many others.
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