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In politics participation by both men and women is a key cornerstone of good governance. Participation could be either direct or through legitimate intermediate institutions or representatives. It is important to point out that representative democracy does not necessarily mean that the concerns of the most vulnerable in society would be taken into consideration in decision making. Participation needs to be informed and organized. This means freedom of association and expression on the one hand and an organized civil society on the other hand. There are several actors and as many view points in a given society. Good governance requires mediation of the different interests in society to reach a broad consensus in society on what is in the best interest of the whole community and how this can be achieved. It also requires a broad and long-term perspective on what is needed for sustainable human development and how to achieve the goals of such development. This can only result from an understanding of the historical, cultural and social contexts of a given society or community.
Accountability is a key requirement of good governance. Not only governmental institutions but also the private sector and civil society organizations must be accountable to the public and to their institutional stakeholders. Who is accountable to whom varies depending on whether decisions or actions taken are internal or external to an organization or institution. In general an organization or an institution is accountable to those who will be affected by its decisions or actions. Accountability cannot be enforced without transparency and the rule of law.
Transparency means that decisions taken and their enforcement are done in a manner that follows rules and regulations. It also means that information is freely available and directly accessible to those who will be affected by such decisions and their enforcement. It also means that enough information is provided and that it is provided in easily understandable forms and media.
Good governance requires that institutions and processes try to serve all stakeholders within a reasonable timeframe.
Good governance means that processes and institutions produce results that meet the needs of society while making the best use of resources at their disposal. The concept of efficiency in the context of good governance also covers the sustainable use of natural resources and the protection of the environment. A society’s well being depends on ensuring that all its members feel that they have a stake in it and do not feel excluded from the mainstream of society. This requires all groups, but particularly the most vulnerable, have opportunities to improve or maintain their well being.
Good governance requires fair legal frameworks that are enforced impartially. It also requires full protection of human rights, particularly those of minorities. Impartial enforcement of laws requires an independent judiciary and an impartial and incorruptible police force.
Now look at the government of the day, it’s so messy, embarrassing and shameful. An example is the issue going on in kogi state, how can people that voted you in become destitutes in their state? Donations are ongoing now by an NGO and senators to help reduce the pain and hunger of Kogites due to lack of salary payments for months. Yet we have a government, is it that the president is not aware of this issues or what?
We need a drastic change to pull out all these leaders that have been leading us to doom for the past decades. Just take a look at them most of them have been in our national affairs for more than forty years! If all these years they could not deliver is it now that they are loosing it gerontologically that they would deliver?
In conclusion I want to clearly state that the rule of law and good governance is far from Nigeria, no accountability and transparency. Let’s stop fooling ourselves. To this end I call on all youths to rethink, let’s keep religious, tribal and cultural Sentiments aside for once to make our lives better. Let’s wake up and take back our rights and freedom
Long live Nigeria!
– Esther Awotogbe
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