Four key areas that need attention to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy as opined by the All-Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) National Chairman Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa – NDUKA ANYANWU
According to Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa, National Chairman of the All-Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Nigeria’s democracy can be strengthened by focusing on four critical areas namely:
1. FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS
Ensuring elections are free and fair is crucial. This can be achieved by introducing measures to prevent electoral malpractice, such as:
a. Electoral Reform: Implementing a
proportional representation system, where politicians hold seats proportional to their party’s support, can lead to more representative governments.
b. Electoral Threshold: Raising the electoral threshold can reduce fragmentation and improve decision-making.
c. Gerrymandering: Preventing the
manipulation of electoral district boundaries can ensure fair representation.
d. Voter Registration: Simplifying voter registration processes and ensuring accurate voter rolls can prevent disenfranchisement.
2. ANTI-CORRUPTION MEASURES
Introducing measures to prevent corrupt practices is vital. This can be achieved through:
a. Asset Declaration: Requiring public officials to declare their assets can help prevent embezzlement.
b. Independent Anti-Corruption Agencies: Establishing independent agencies can investigate and prosecute corruption cases effectively.
c. Whistleblower Protection: Protecting whistleblowers can encourage reporting of corrupt practices.
3. PEOPLE-CENTERED LEADERSHIP
Prioritizing the needs of the people is essential. This can be achieved by:
a. Representative Government: Ensuring that elected officials represent the people’s interests, rather than those of the ruling elite.
b. Participatory Budgeting: Involving citizens in budgeting decisions can ensure that public funds are allocated effectively.
c. Accountability Mechanisms: Establishing mechanisms to hold public officials accountable can prevent abuse of power.
4. INSTITUTIONAL REFORM
Reforming institutions to make them more accountable and transparent is critical. This can be achieved by:
a. Constitutional Reforms: Strengthening constitutional provisions to prevent abuse of power and ensure separation of powers.
b. Judicial Reform: Ensuring the independence and impartiality of the judiciary can prevent political interference.
c. Public Service Reform: Professionalizing the public service can prevent patronage and ensure effective service delivery.
By addressing these four areas, Nigeria can strengthen its democracy, promote good governance, and improve the lives of its citizens.
