Professor Eugenia George-Genyi of the Political Science Department, Benue State University, Makurdi, has declared that Nigeria democracy has been hijacked and is currently under siege.
Prof. George-Genyi disclosed this on Tuesday in Lokoja in a paper presentation at the 5th Annual National Conference of Nigerian Political Science Association held at the Federal University Lokoja, with the theme “Democracy and Good Governance: Efforts, Results and The Way Forward which was by the North Central Zone of the Association.
While noting that there is no true practice of democracy in Nigeria, the Professor of Political Science averred that democracy remains the best system of governance in the world.
She attributed forces against its true practice in Nigeria to electoral malpractice, insecurity and compromise of the nation’s judiciary amongst others.
“Democracy and good governance are essential for Nigeria’s socio-political stability and sustainable development. While the country has made notable progress since the return to civilian rule in 1999—such as regular elections, peaceful transitions of power, and some public sector reforms—numerous challenges continue to impede the full realization of democratic ideals and good governance.
“Issues such as corruption, electoral malpractice, insecurity, and weak institutional frameworks remain persistent obstacles. Addressing these challenges require a holistic approach. Strengthening electoral integrity, empowering anti-corruption agencies, ensuring judicial independence, and deepening decentralization efforts are essential steps to promote accountability and transparency.
“We have no alternative to democracy which must be guided jealously. None adherence to true democracy has seriously affected our system in entrenching good governance in Nigeria. However, we should guide against allowing military rule
“To build true democracy in Nigeria, we must embrace attitudinal change for the better in the conduct of democratic elections. We must strive to avoid cases of ballot box snatching, thuggery activities and declaration of fake results during elections” Professor Eugenia George-Genyi admonished Nigerians,” she said.
She recommended Liberal Democracy as most preferred system because of its concept of guaranteeing citizens rights and effective participation in governance.
“Liberal Democracy also promote equality and liberty of all citizens as well as social justice. Improvement in Nigeria’s elections administration, provision of elections logistics, guide against insecurity and thuggery during elections will no doubt usher in true democracy and good governance in Nigeria
“Federal Government of Nigeria should as well ensure judicial independence and empowerment of anti-corruption agencies.
“Citizen participation through civil society engagement and youth inclusion must be prioritized to foster a culture of collective responsibility and democratic ownership. Security reforms that incorporate both military responses and socio-economic solutions will help stabilize the country and safeguard democratic practices.
“At the same time, fostering economic growth and reducing inequality will improve governance by reducing the pressures that lead to political instability. Ultimately, Nigeria’s path toward democratic consolidation and good governance hinges on political will, strong institutions, and active citizen involvement.
“If these reforms are embraced and consistently implemented, Nigeria has the potential to become a model of democracy and good governance in Africa, setting the foundation for a prosperous and inclusive future.
“To build a resilient democratic system and improve governance in Nigeria, there is need to deconstruct and reconstruct the Nigerian State to focus on the building of a society based on the principles of equality, accountability and transparent process.
“A state system that promotes economic prosperity that can engineer development and deal with the concerns of the people. An effective party system based on ideological premise, electoral integrity, public accountability, institutional reform, and citizen engagement is necessary.
“The effective implementation of the Electoral Act (2022) is critical. INEC should continue to refine the use of technology, such as biometric systems and electronic transmission of results, to reduce election fraud. Electoral offenders, including politicians and security agents involved in vote-buying or manipulation, must face appropriate sanctions to deter future malpractices.
“Establishing an Electoral Offenses Commission will facilitate accountability, while civil society organizations, in collaboration with INEC, should promote civic education to encourage voter participation and reduce voter apathy.”
In his Key-note address, Vice Chancellor of Karl Kumm University, Vom in Plateau state, Professor Nanven Audu Gambo who was represented by Dr. Adebola Bakari, said that the theme of the conference would go a long way in stimulating and raising the interest of Nigerians on the way forward to install true democracy and good governance in the nation’s polity.
He then called on the citizens of Nigeria and government at all levels to join hands in the fight so as to attract democracy dividends that would enhance people’s living standard.
Chairman of the occasion, Professor Abubakar Olarenwaju Sulaiman, Director General of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Abuja, represented by former Vice Chancellor of University of Abuja, Professor Nuhu Yakubu, decried prevailing electoral fraud bedeiveling Nigeria, advising government to shun autocratic democracy and embrace Libral and socialist democracy.
“Presently, what we have is no democracy in Nigeria. I want to categorically say that we have no good governance as a result of this development”
In his address, the Zonal Chairman, Nigerian Political Science Association, (NPSA) DR PHILIP TERZUNGWE VANDE, noted that the association was established to, among other objectives, to engage the Nigerian State in the promotion of good governance, accountability, and sustainable development.
“Equally, the Association has an objective to educate and mobilise Nigerians through seminars, lectures and conferences for the advancement of a democratic, just and prosperous Nigeria. Under these objectives, the North-Central Chapter of the Association convened its Fifth Annual Conference, with the theme: Democracy and Good Governance in Nigeria: Efforts, Results and the Way Forward.
“Democracy and good governance are the most successful political ideas of the 21st century, winning an uncontestable global appeal. Though Nigeria has experimented with democracy from the colonial epoch to the post-colonial era, this experiment has been most persistent in the Fourth Republic (1999 to the present).
“Yet, over two and a half decades since the military handed over the reins of power to democratically elected authorities, several challenges have continued to militate against the enthronement of democracy and good governance in Nigeria. There is no gainsaying the obvious that democratization remains questionable in Nigeria, failing to enhance Nigerians’ quality of life.
” These multifaceted challenges include corruption and economic mismanagement, weakening state capacity, insurgency and banditry, fraudulent elections, weak institutions, erosion of public trust, debasing levels of poverty.
“The failure of governance in Nigeria manifests in the declining capacity of political leaders to recognize systemic risks such as election fraud, terrorist attacks, resource-based conflict, armed banditry, and police brutality and put in place the necessary measures to navigate these challenges.
“In contrast with the current system in which leadership is attained through bribery, intimidation, and violence, Nigeria needs a system of governance that is founded on the pedigree of its political leaders and the civic or voter education of its citizens.
“Democracy faces numerous challenges worldwide. In Nigeria, particularly, the erosion of trust in institutions, rising authoritarianism, and social inequalities threaten the very foundations of democratic systems. The right of every citizen to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and his family is at large in Nigeria.
“However, we also witness the transformative power of good governance. When leaders prioritize accountability, inclusivity, and human rights, societies flourish. Citizens’ voices are heard, and their needs are addressed.”
He added that the objectives of this Conference, therefore, include fostering dialogue among stakeholders on strengthening democratic institutions; sharing best practices in promoting good governance and transparency, and inspiring collective action to address the challenges facing democracy in Nigeria and the world, at large.
Earlier in his welcome address, the host of the conference and Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, said that the theme of the conference would impact positively on Nigeria’s leadership roles to boost good governance.
He appreciated the association for considering FUL to host the conference saying that it is crucial to academic exercise, research and intellectual discuss.
“Our Leaders should be hold accountable to justify reasons why they were elected into office”.
