Governor Siminalayi Fubara called for improved governance in Nigeria during the SWAAYA Limited lecture, emphasizing the need for active citizen engagement and accountability. He identified public passivity, weak institutions, and electoral malpractice as key challenges to good governance. The governor urged for a cultural shift towards ethical leadership and citizen participation, asserting that real change requires Nigerians to take ownership of their governance issues.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State highlighted the absence of public accountability, weak institutions, and passive citizen engagement as key factors undermining governance in Nigeria. During the 6th Yearly Lecture hosted by SWAAYA Limited in Lagos, he emphasized that citizens and civil society must actively demand accountability to foster effective leadership. Bad governance is likely to continue as long as citizens remain passive.
Fubara noted that elected officials are mandated to implement policies for national progress but face numerous challenges, including corruption and economic stagnation. He criticized electoral malpractice, such as violence and voter intimidation, which impede the emergence of credible leaders. Additionally, he underscored how weak institutions and tribal politics further complicate governance issues.
He urged citizens to engage actively with government policies and support leaders based on competence rather than ethnic affiliations. This societal attitude enables corrupt leadership, making accountability difficult. The governor called for a culture of civic engagement and ethical governance as a means to break the cycle of poor leadership.
Fubara also discussed the vital roles of civil society and media in advocating for policy changes and holding leaders accountable. He stated that unless Nigerians take ownership of their governance issues, the cycle of underdevelopment will persist. He emphasized the need for political parties to prioritize integrity and competence in their candidates.
Echoing Fubara’s concerns, former Ogun State Governor Senator Gbenga Daniel said Nigeria’s issues stem from poor leadership. Other speakers, including Akinyemi Onigbinde from the Centre for Policy and Development Studies, urged politicians to uphold democratic values. Chief Gani Adams of Yorubaland urged for stronger opposition in governance to promote accountability.
The Managing Director of Freedom Online, Gabriel Akinadewo, highlighted the urgent need for political and judicial reforms in Nigeria. He questioned the expectations of Nigerians heading into the upcoming presidential election in 2027, stressing the importance of accountability between citizens and their representatives.
Various presenters at the event, including Prince Adewole Adebayo and Retired Navy Captain Omoniyi Olubolade, contributed to the discussion, reinforcing the call for a renewed commitment to substantive governance in Nigeria.
In conclusion, effective governance in Nigeria requires active citizen engagement, accountability, and the strengthening of public institutions. Governor Fubara’s insights and the contributions from other leaders emphasize the importance of integrity and competence in political representation. To break the cycle of poor governance, Nigeria must foster a culture of civic responsibility and demand ethical leadership from its elected officials.
Original Source: businessday.ng
