WILL PROTEST SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF BAD GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA?

EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters in Abuja on Thursday, August 1, 2024. Photo: Olukayode Jaiyeola

To address this question, it's essential to understand the system of governance in Nigeria. We must, therefore, comprehend that the challenges do not occur in a vacuum; rather, they are systemic. Consequently, comprehending the system will provide the most fitting solutions possible.

 

WHAT IS GOVERNANCE?

According to Wikipedia, governance refers to a complex system or framework of processes, functions, structures, rule of law, and norms born out of the relationships, interactions, and power dynamics and communication within an organized group of people. It sets the boundaries of acceptable conduct and practices of different actors within the group and controls their decision-making processes through the creation and enforcement of rules and guidelines.

 

WHAT ARE THE PRINCIPLES OF GOOD GOVERNANCE?

Here are the eight principles of good governance given by the United Nations:

• 1.    Participation: Involvement of citizens in the governance process.
• 2.    Consensus-oriented: The consideration and integration of diverse views and perspectives.
• 3.    Accountability: The obligation and responsibility to report and answer for one's actions.
• 4.    Transparency: The openness and accessibility of information and decision-making.
• 5.    Responsiveness: The ability and willingness to serve the needs and interests of stakeholders.
• 6.    Effectiveness and Efficiency: The optimal use of resources and achievement of results.
• 7.    Rule of Law: The adherence to the legal framework and protection of human rights.
• 8.    Equity and Inclusiveness: The promotion and protection of equal opportunities and social justice

 

It is essential for us to analyze the system of governance we have, using the above-mentioned principles, to identify the deficiencies that create the chaos we experience. Is our government participatory, consensus oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive, and follows the rule of law?

If not, what are the provisions constitutionally that allowed us to lodge our complaints and what are the modalities to follow to ensure we get what we deserved? Has protest ever worked for us?

 

NIGERIA'S SYSTEM OF GOVERNANCE

Nigeria has three arms of government:

• 1.    Legislative Arm: Responsible for lawmaking.
• 2.    Judiciary: Interprets the laws.
• 3.    Executive Arm: Enforces the laws.

The government works as a system with every component intertwined for orderly and efficient operations. However, the executive role seems to have a more pronounced role in law enforcement and policy implementation.

 

We tend to channel our energy towards the head of government, who happens to be the president, without realizing the other actors involved across the board. Let us take a moment to examine the number of people in the executive and legislative arms vested with the mandate of enforcing the laws at the three levels of government:

 

v Federal government level: 1 president + 1 vice president + 50 aides for the president + 50 aides for the vice president + 1,500 heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs)

v State level: 36 governors + 36 deputy governors + 10 aides for each governor and deputy governor (720) + 35 commissioners for 36 states (1,260)

v Local government level: 774 local government chairpersons + 774 local government vice chairpersons + 5 aides for each of the local government chairpersons and vice chairpersons (7,740) + 5 secretaries in each 774 local government areas (3,860)

 

You can see that we have roughly more than 20,000 people at different executive capacities, each playing a role that should make life easier for citizens through conscious and judicious use of their positions. We can as well call any into order as citizens to ensure that they act as prescribed through designated channels.

 

The same applies to the legislature, with 109 senators + 360 national House of Representatives members + 991 state House of Assembly members + 8,806 councillors serving as legislators in local governments, totaling up to 10,266 members in the legislative arm. Their mandate is to make laws that will create efficient governance.

 

Why this arithmetic? To appreciate the complexity of governance and that when things go wrong, it is not just because of the president, governor, or local government chairperson. Rather, there is a whole lot more, with each person having a designated role. And we, as citizens, can demand accountability in all of these offices through the right channels.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION

Let's finally examine some basic functions of local government, which is the closest to the people and through which citizens can directly participate in the governance. It was established to provide the most essential public services. These include:

• ·        Establishing and Regulating Public Facilities: markets, motor parks, and public conveniences
• ·        Infrastructure Development: construction and maintenance of roads, drainages, parks, etc.
• ·        Public Services: provision of public transportation and refuse disposal systems
• ·        Social Services: primary education, primary healthcare, welfare, and taxation

 

THE ROLE OF CITIZENS

We can see that some of the basic essentials we need as citizens rest on the shoulders of local government chairpersons, not the president or even the governor. Understanding this and channeling our energy properly to the right office could bring about the desired change.

The entire executive hardly moves an inch without the consent of the legislative arm, which is the most powerful component of all three and serves as a check and balance for the administration. And the citizens have the power to ensure that the legislatives are serving their interests, Nigerian constitution further empowers the constituents to recall any lawmaker they feel not representing them. Isn’t this beautiful?

 

Citizens are often said to be the enablers of bad governance due to a lack of demanding accountability. If we all rise up, understand our rights, and demand what is constitutionally ours from those in power, we will soon see a change in their conduct and response to our affairs. We cannot expect the president to do the work of the governor, or the governor to play the role of the local government chairperson. How many times have you gathered people to demand anything from your local government chairperson? They are readily accessible to us. How about the law makers? What kind of policy do you think when implemented will serve the interest of your community? Did you demand audience or write to your lawmakers?

 

To benefit from the system, we must first understand it. As citizens, we cannot simply call on the president to take action without going through the proper channels. However, we can ask our legislators to take action, as we have the constitutional power to recall them, and they in turn can coerce or even impeach the president. Protest alone therefore, may not solve the problem of bad governance in Nigeria. Rather understanding the system, holding public office holders accountable, and demanding what is constitutionally yours are crucial steps towards bringing about the desired change. As citizens, it's essential to recognize the complexity of governance and the role each component plays in creating a functional system.

 

Muhammad Garba

Presented on 29^th August 2024

At Albaqiyah Weekly Webinar.