By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
PROF. Eugenia George-Genyi of Department of Political Science, Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi, has called for the deconstruction and reconstruction of the Nigerian State to build a resilient democratic system and improve governance in Nigeria.
The Professor of Political Science made the declaration while presenting a paper at the 5th Annual National Conference of Nigerian Political Science Association held at the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) on Tuesday.
The Conference with the Theme: Democracy and Good Governance: Efforts, Results and The Way Forward” was organised by the North Central Zone of the Association.
Prof. George-Genyi restated the need to deconstruct and reconstruct the Nigerian State to focus on the building of a society based on the principles of equality, accountability and transparent process.
University Don who argued that there there is no true practice of democracy in Nigeria said that for democracy to thrive, there must be a state system that promotes economic prosperity capable of galvanizing development and deal with the concerns of the people.
She described democracy as the best system of governance world over and attributed forces against its true practice in Nigeria to electoral malpractice, insecurity and compromise of the nation’s judiciary amongst others.
“We have no alternative to democracy which must be guided jealously. None adherence to true democracy has seriously affected our system in entrenching good governance in Nigeria. However, we should guide against allowing military rule
Among preferred among other solutions, an effective party system based on ideological premise, electoral integrity, public accountability, institutional reform, and citizen engagement.
“The effective implementation of the Electoral Act (2022) is critical. INEC should continue to refine the use of technology, such as biometric systems and electronic transmission of results, to reduce election fraud.
“Electoral offenders, including politicians and security agents involved in vote-buying or manipulation, must face appropriate sanctions to deter future malpractices.
“Establishing an Electoral Offenses Commission will facilitate accountability, while civil society organizations, in collaboration with INEC, should promote civic education to encourage voter participation and reduce voter apathy.
“Institutions like the EFCC and ICPC need more autonomy and adequate funding to operate independently without political interference”, she said.
Prof. Nanven Audu Gambo, Vice Chancellor of Karl Kumm University, Vom, Plateau state, in his Key-note address, described the theme of the conference as apt saying it would help in stimulating and raising the interest of Nigerians in entrenching true democracy and good governance in the nation’s Polity.
Prof. Gambo who was represented by Dr Adebola Bakari then called on Nigerians and government at all levels to join hands in the struggle so as to attract democracy dividends capable of enhancing people’s living standard.
Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Abubakar Olarenwaju Sulaiman, Director General of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Abuja, decried prevailing electoral fraud bedeviling Nigeria.
Prof. Suleiman represented by former Vice Chancellor of University of Abuja, Prof. Nuhu Yakubu, advised government to shun autocratic tendencies and embrace Liberal and socialist democracy.
“Presently, what we have is no democracy in Nigeria. I want to categorically say that we have no good governance as a result of this development”
Earlier in his welcome address, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, host of the conference and Vice Chancellor FUL, said that the theme of the conference was deliberately crafted to positively impact on Nigeria’s leadership roles in the quest to boost good governance.
Prof. Akinwumi, a Professor of History and third Vice Chancellor of FUL commended the association for consideration for FUL to host the conference saying that the conference was crucial to academic exercise, research and intellectual discuss.
“Our Leaders should be held accountable to justify reasons why they were elected into office”, he urged. (Ends).