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.