From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Professor Eugenia George-Genyi of the Political Science Department, Benue State University, Makurdi, has declared that there is no true practice of democracy in Nigeria.
Professor Eugenia George-Genyi made the declaration in a paper presentation at the 5th Annual National Conference of Nigerian Political Science Association held at the Federal University, Lokoja, on Tuesday.
The Conference with the Theme: Democracy and Good Governance: Efforts, Results and The Way Forward” was organised by the Noth Central Zone of the Association.
Professor Eugenia George-Genyi who in her paper described democracy as the best system of governance world over, 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
“To build true democracy in Nigeria, we must embrace attitudinal change for the better in the conduct of democratic elections. We must strive to avoid cases of ballot box snatching, thuggery activities and declaration of fake results during elections” Professor Eugenia George-Genyi admonished Nigerians
She recommended Libral Democracy as most preferred system because of its concept of guaranteeing citizens’ rights and effective participation in governance.
“Liberal Democracy also promote equality and liberty of all citizens as well as social justice. Improvement in Nigeria’s elections administration, provision of elections logistics, guide against insecurity and thuggery during elections will no doubt usher in true democracy and good governance in Nigeria
“Federal Government of Nigeria should as well ensure Judicial Independent and Empowerment of Anti-corruption Agencies”
In his Key-note address, Vice Chancellor of Karl Kumm University, Vom in Plateau state, Professor Nanven Audu Gambo who was represented by Dr. Adebola Bakari, said that the theme of the conference would go a long way in stimulating and raising the interest of Nigerians on the way forward to install true democracy and good governance in the nation’s Polity.
He then called on the citizens of Nigeria and government at all levels to join hands in the fight so as to attract democracy dividends that would enhance people’s living standard.
Chairman of the occasion, Professor Abubakar Olarenwaju Sulaiman, Director General of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Abuja, represented by former Vice Chancellor of University of Abuja, Professor Nuhu Yakubu, decried prevailing electoral fraud bedeiveling Nigeria, advising government to shun autocratic democracy and embrace Libral 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, the host of the conference and Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, said that the theme of the conference would impact positively on Nigeria’s leadership roles to boost good governance.
He appreciated the association for considering FUL to host the conference saying that it is crucial to academic exercise, research and intellectual discuss.
“Our Leaders should be hold accountable to justify reasons why they were elected into office”
