By Alex Abutu
The 2023 general election has come and gone. But it has left behind celebrations in some quarters and lamentations in others. By and large, the elections have exposed the need to spur citizens to embrace good governance as the basis for our continued development.
Spurring Nigerians to support good governance requires a multifaceted approach that involves both government and civil society. The following are some strategies that can be employed:
There is an urgent need for the government, through its agencies such as the National Orientation Agency (NOA), to adopt a communication and education platform that government and civil society organisations can use to communicate and educate Nigerians on the importance of good governance. This can be done through public campaigns, community meetings, and media outreach.
We need to promote accountability and transparency: Governments can promote accountability and transparency by strengthening institutions such as the judiciary, the legislature, and the media. Civil society organisations can also monitor government activities and hold officials accountable for their actions. It is not as if this does not exist but there is room for improvement considering what we have experienced in the last few months and even years.
Today, government officials can no longer be trusted to preside over our national resources because records abound on how they have woefully failed us. A lot of politicians are struggling for one office or the other not because of services they intend to render to society but because they are going into those offices for what they can grab from the national cake. Otherwise how do you justify the kind of huge resources they are spending to get elected?
Engaging the youth: Governments and civil society organisations can engage young people by providing them with opportunities to participate in governance processes.
This can be done through youth councils, mentorship programmes, and civic education programmes. Youth involvement in governance is currently considered a threat and this has resulted in situations like the #EndSARs saga that nearly inflamed the country. The display by the youths in the last election is a pointer to the government that they should be taken seriously.
Encouraging civic participation: Governments and civil society organisations can encourage Nigerians to participate in governance by providing platforms for public engagement, such as town hall meetings, public consultations, and online platforms.
Incentivizing good behaviour: Governments can incentivize good behaviour by rewarding officials and citizens who exhibit good governance practices. This can be done through recognition programs, awards, and other forms of positive reinforcement.
Related Posts
Addressing socio-economic issues: Governments must address the socio-economic issues that underlie poor governance. This includes tackling poverty, unemployment, and inequality, which are often associated with corruption and bad governance.
Strengthening institutions: Government can strengthen institutions responsible for promoting good governance, such as the judiciary, electoral commission, and anti-corruption agencies. This will help to ensure that these institutions are independent, effective, and free from political interference.
Encouraging ethical leadership: Government can encourage ethical leadership by promoting integrity, accountability, and transparency among public officials. This will help to build trust in government and increase support for good governance.
Encourage participation: Nigerians need to feel that they have a stake in governance and that their voices matter. Governments and civil society organisations can encourage citizen participation through public consultations, feedback mechanisms, and citizen engagement platforms. This can help to build trust and accountability between citizens and government.
One of the major setbacks in the 2023 elections was the failure of INEC to deliver on promised service to the people. It is therefore important for the government to do all things possible to improve service delivery. One of the major complaints of Nigerians is the poor service delivery by government institutions. By improving service delivery, governments can earn the trust and support of Nigerians. This can be achieved through the use of technology, simplification of processes, and training of staff.
The current government came on board with a bold pronouncement to tackle corruption: Corruption is a major hindrance to good governance in Nigeria. The government needs to take a strong stance against corruption by strengthening institutions, enforcing laws, and punishing corrupt officials. This will help to build public trust in government and promote good governance.
Nigerians are very innovative, and we have proven that all over the world. The government should encourage citizen-led initiatives: Citizens can play a vital role in promoting good governance by initiating and leading projects that address community needs. Governments can support citizen-led initiatives by providing funding, technical support, and institutional backing.
In conclusion, spurring Nigerians to support good governance requires a combination of strategies that involve communication and education, promoting accountability and transparency, engaging the youth, encouraging civic participation, incentivizing good behavior, and addressing socio-economic issues. By taking these steps, Nigeria can foster a culture of good governance that benefits all its citizens.
