Governor Siminalayi Fubara discusses the barriers to good governance in Nigeria, including citizen passivity and weak institutions, at the 6th Yearly Lecture of SWAAYA Limited. He urges active citizen engagement for accountability and calls for ethical leadership and reforms to improve governance. The discussion, featuring various speakers, emphasizes the need for reform and citizen involvement in addressing Nigeria’s socio-political challenges.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State emphasized that Nigeria’s struggle with governance stems from a lack of public accountability, weakened institutions, and the passivity of both citizens and civil society organizations. He made these remarks during the 6th Yearly Lecture of SWAAYA Limited in Lagos, which brought together various stakeholders to discuss Nigeria’s socio-political challenges under the theme “Nigeria’s Socio-Political Challenges: Whose Fault, Leaders or the Led?”.
Fubara, represented by former deputy governor Tele Ikuru, asserted that citizens’ engagement is crucial for good governance. He explained that leaders are products of the society they govern, and if citizens demand accountability, they are more likely to elect competent leaders. He stressed that passivity among citizens allows poor governance to persist.
The governor highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing socio-political issues, including economic stagnation, corruption, and unemployment, and lamented the electoral challenges such as violence and voter suppression that hinder the emergence of credible leadership. Fubara condemned tribal politics, insisting that support should be based on competence rather than ethnic or party loyalty.
Fubara pointed out that society tolerates corrupt leaders, making accountability a challenge. He urged citizens to actively engage with governance, participate in public hearings, and hold leaders responsible for their actions. He called on civil society and the media to play active roles in exposing corruption and advocating for policy reform.
In advocating for ethical leadership and improved electoral integrity, Fubara insisted that political parties should prioritize candidates who exhibit integrity and competence. He emphasized the necessity for Nigerians to take ownership of their challenges and solutions, or risk continuing the cycle of poor governance.
Senator Gbenga Daniel and other speakers at the event echoed the concerns about Nigeria’s leadership issues. They stressed the importance of strong opposition for a healthy democracy and the need for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s political and judicial systems. Gabriel Akinadewo, MD/CEO of Freedom Online, underscored the necessity to assess public expectations ahead of the 2027 presidential elections, linking the relationship between citizens and their representatives to accountability.
In conclusion, Governor Siminalayi Fubara highlights the critical role that citizen engagement, accountability, and ethical leadership play in advancing governance in Nigeria. He calls for an active citizenry capable of demanding accountability from leaders, emphasizing that the challenges faced by the nation cannot be resolved without public participation. The dialogue reflects a broader consensus on the urgent need for reform in leadership and institutional integrity to foster better governance.
Original Source: businessday.ng
