Local government autonomy is a vital topic that has sparked intense debates and discussions in Nigeria. It is a constitutional provision that grants local governments independence and self-governance, enabling them to manage their affairs and resources without undue interference from state or federal governments.
By granting local governments autonomy, Nigeria can harness the potential of grassroots governance, promote democratic development, and improve the lives of citizens at the local level.
Political Defections in Nigeria
In recent years, Nigeria's political arena has been marred by a troubling trend: the unchecked defection of politicians from one party to another. This phenomenon undermines the nation's democratic foundations and erodes public trust in the political system.
When politicians switch parties without facing any consequences, it signals a lack of ideological commitment and integrity. Such behavior reduces politics to a game of convenience rather than a principled pursuit of the public good. The electorate, left disillusioned, may become apathetic, weakening democratic engagement.
Moreover, frequent defections destabilize political parties, leading to fractured alliances and unstable governance. This instability hampers effective policy-making and governance, as shifting loyalties create uncertainty and hinder long-term planning.
To safeguard Nigeria's political development, there must be stricter regulations and penalties for party defections. Ensuring accountability and fostering a culture of ideological consistency are crucial steps toward a more stable and trustworthy political system.
Sometimes governments can indeed get caught in a cycle of creating problems while trying to solve existing ones. This can increase laws and regulations that may further complicate matters for the citizens. To address this issue, the government must focus on effectively addressing the root causes of problems rather than just reacting with temporary solutions that lead to more complications.
In Nigeria or any country facing similar challenges, promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in policymaking can help ensure that the government's actions are in the best interest of the people. Encouraging dialogue between authorities and the public can also foster a better understanding of the issues at hand and lead to more effective problem-solving strategies.
Building a Nigeria where citizens are actively engaged in the political process, public service leaders demonstrate Character, Competence and Capacity, institutions of democracy are strong, transparent and function in accordance with the rule of law. #NigeriaWeWant#FixPolitics#250YearsofDemocracy
As economic uncertainty rises alongside living costs, a call for sober consideration and strategic action emerges from Nigeria's political landscape, issued by former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.
He directs his plea towards the Independent National Electoral Commission and Nigeria's Judiciary, expecting an end to post-election litigations, a near-custom in our national discourse.
Could this be the watershed moment for Nigeria's political arena? The answer solely lies with these key institutions.
A question is posed if it's appropriate to remodel our post-election norms. Or is maintaining these litigations crucial to regulate political power?
#Nigeria#Economy#LivingCosts#Politics#GoodluckJonathan#INEC#Judiciary#PostElection#Litigations#NationalDiscours#ReachifyMe
Director, Perchstone & Graeys Consulting, UK, Visiting Professor, Afe Babalola University, Doctor of Philosophy in Law (Honoris Causa), Prowess University, USA, Chairman, ILA, Arbitration Committee
Member, ICC | Law
Democracy in Nigeria, like in any other country, is a system of government where power is vested in the people and exercised through elected representatives.
The true meaning of democracy for Nigeria lies in principles such as political participation, free and fair elections, protection of human rights, rule of law, and accountability of government institutions. It is about ensuring that the voices and choices of the Nigerian people are respected and that they have a say in how their country is governed.
It is for this reason that in another one month (July 12), the Jaals Foundation will be revisiting the construct of our National and State Assemblies (Legislature) and whether or not, this arm of government continues to have and serve any utilitarian value to good governance in Nigeria.
The keynote lecture titled ‘*Bicameralism and Good Governance: An Oxymoron’* will be delivered by one of Nigeria’s Democratic Pro-Activists, former Governor of Ekiti State, *His Excellency, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, PhD.
As a Foundation, we will continue to provide a platform which holds government accountable and ensure the delivery of good governance.
Tolu Aderemi
A CRAWLING TO WALKING//WORKING DEMOCRACY
From the return of democracy in 1999, one of the most fundamental breakthrough that Nigeria's democracy has experienced in recent years aside other milestone changes is the granting of "LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMY". It is anticipated that this will further brings the government closer to the people.
To achieve a working or walking democracy, Nigeria in partnership with its civil society organizations, Non Governmental organizations and various stakeholders should ensure that the electoral process and the system is been sanitize in a way that will give the citizenry the chance to vote the candidate of their choice and that choice reflects the outcomes of elections.
When the people directly elect their leaders, a saner clime is created for development, progress and growth. the electoral reform act signed into law by the erstwhile President Muhammadu Buhari should be in effect beyond just the rhetorics of its existence.
Nigeria will grow, we will get it right by doing the right thing!
THE AFRICA GATEKEEPERS ♻️: Three simple recommendations as the National Assembly amends the 1999 Nigerian Constitution within the ambit of producing an effective governance system in Nigeria.
1. The president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should not appoint or influence the appointment of the head of the electoral umpire. In the case of the INEC chairman. Rather, an independent and unbiased body should be saddled with the responsibility of appointing the chairman and executives of INEC. This body must not be answerable to anybody except the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
2. All election litigations must be concluded before the inauguration of the elected political office holders. Election cases must not be prolonged until public officeholders occupy spaces. Delay might imply a denial of justice.
3. The president must not appoint the head of the judicial body. According to the Nigerian Constitution 1999, the independence of the judicial branch of government was guaranteed. The appointment of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice by the president would jeopardize the neutrality and effectiveness of that arm of government.
~IamCompassion 🪴
https://lnkd.in/gymC-JnQ
Focus on Africa- Agents of Scapegoating Practices in Nigerian Politics. By Hugo Keji
Scapegoating is a pervasive strategy employed by politicians across various levels of government in Nigeria. This section will focus on how different political figures—senators, federal and state house members, local government officials, and federal ministers—participate in and perpetuate scapegoating practices. Case Studies - Agents of Scapegoating in Nigerian........
