Enhancing Governance in Nigeria: Insights from Gov. Fubara at SWAAYA Lecture
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State identified inadequate public accountability and citizen passivity as core barriers to effective governance in Nigeria. He called for heightened civic engagement to enable accountability from leaders and stressed the importance of ethical leadership and active participation in the democratic process, particularly in light of Nigeria’s ongoing socio-political challenges.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State expressed that poor governance in Nigeria stems from a lack of public accountability, weak institutions, and the passive engagement of citizens and civil society organizations. Speaking at the 6th Yearly Lecture hosted by SWAAYA Limited, he underscored the necessity for citizens to actively demand accountability from their leaders to facilitate the emergence of credible governance.
Fubara emphasized that elected officials are mandated to serve the populace and must implement policies that foster national progress. He stated that citizens wield the power to influence leadership through informed choices and by holding their leaders accountable for their actions, stressing the importance of change in the socio-political narrative of Nigeria.
He lamented the persistent socio-political challenges, including economic stagnation, corruption, and unemployment, and criticized electoral issues such as violence and voter intimidation that hinder the emergence of competent leaders. Fubara warned that tribal politics and a lack of civic engagement may detrimentally impact the country’s democratic processes.
The governor remarked, “Instead of demanding good governance, some citizens support politicians based on ethnic or party loyalty rather than competence,” highlighting societal toleration of corruption which complicates accountability. He identified the roles of civil society and the media in advocating for accountability and policy reforms, stressing that both leaders and citizens must assume responsibility for addressing governance challenges.
Fubara asserted that ethical leadership and enhanced electoral integrity must be prioritized by political parties, advocating for candidates with integrity and competence. He urged Nigerians to own their country’s challenges, stating that external forces would not rectify Nigeria’s issues without active local engagement from its citizens.
Senator Gbenga Daniel reiterated that many of Nigeria’s dilemmas arise from poor leadership. Akinyemi Onigbinde, the Executive Secretary of the Centre for Policy and Development Studies, remarked that politicians ought to strengthen democracy by adhering to ethical practices. Furthermore, Chief Gani Adams highlighted that both leadership and followership have significantly hindered the nation’s progress.
Chief Olabode George noted the historical context of Nigeria’s socio-political trials and praised the event’s theme, while Gabriel Akinadewo, the Managing Director of Freedom Online, raised concerns about the subsequent expectations of Nigerians leading up to the 2027 presidential election and the need for essential political and judicial reforms in Nigeria.
In summary, Governor Fubara’s speech illuminated the critical need for active citizen engagement and accountability to combat Nigeria’s pervasive governance issues. He called for a concerted effort by both leaders and citizens to foster a culture of civic involvement and ethical governance. The insights shared during the lecture underscored the symbiotic relationship between leadership and followership, highlighting urgent reform measures that must be taken to ensure a prosperous future for Nigeria.
Original Source: businessday.ng
