Democracy Day: NGIJ Celebrates, Advocates Good Governance in Building a Better Nigeria

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The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has joined numerous Nigerians at home and abroad in the celebration of the new Democracy Day in commemoration of the late politician, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola popularly known as MKO, the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 general elections as it advocates good governance in building a better Nigeria.

This is contained in a statement jointly signed by Vice President Publicity and Strategy and the General-Secretary of the Guild, Mr. Israel Bolaji and Abdulrahman Aliagan respectively.

The statement stated that, June 12 was formerly known as Abiola Day and was being celebrated in Lagos and some south western states of Nigeria until June 10, 2019, that, President Muhammadu Buhari assented to the Bill and declared the day as Public holiday, marking the new Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

The Guild however advised the politicians on good governance to build a better Nigeria. “Politicians and political office holders should know that the major reason why they are voted for or trusted with political offices is to deliver on the dividend of democracy and affecting nation-building very positively as well as having positive impact on human and capital development for sustainable socioeconomic growth and development.

The statement further said that, for democracy to bring about good governance, it must be premised on the rule of law, protection of human rights and dignity, accountability, equity and inclusiveness.

“A society’s wellbeing is practically depends on how comfortable its members feel that they have a stake in it and do not feel excluded from the mainstream of society. This requires all groups and particularly the most vulnerable, have opportunities to improve or maintain their well-being.”

It noted that accountability is a key requirement of good governance. Not only government institutions but also the private sector and civil society organizations must be accountable to the public.

“Government institutions must produce results that meet the needs of society while making the best use of resources at their disposal. The concept of efficiency in the context of good governance also covers the sustainable use of natural resources and the protection of the environment. It maintained.

The statement therefore concludes that, good governance is an ideal which Nigeria as a country is still working very hard to achieve; actions must be taken to work towards this ideal with the aim of making Nigeria a better country so as to achieve the essence in which June 12 was made a Democracy Day.

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