Former President Goodluck Jonathan has stated Nigeria’s democracy can solely stay secure and sustainable if supported by efficient {economic} insurance policies that ship tangible advantages to residents.
Jonathan spoke on Thursday in Lagos on the tenth anniversary of the Goodluck Jonathan Basis, the place a report on strengthening the hyperlink between democracy and {economic} progress in Nigeria was launched.
He stated Nigeria’s democratic system has endured through the years however warned that endurance alone just isn’t sufficient with out insurance policies that enhance dwelling requirements and {economic} outcomes.
In line with him, democracy is more and more underneath stress globally resulting from {economic} hardship, insecurity, social challenges, and rising mistrust in public establishments.
“In Africa, these pressures are additional mirrored in contested elections, democratic backsliding, and rising instability,” he stated.
Jonathan famous that whereas democracy is commonly outlined by elections, its true worth lies in accountability, inclusion, and the creation of alternatives for residents.
He added that sturdy democratic methods have to be backed by establishments which might be clear, responsive, and able to enabling {economic} progress and innovation.
The previous president famous that the place democratic governments fail to ship {economic} progress, they threat weakening public belief and legitimacy.
He stated Nigeria’s expertise reveals that democracy have to be matched with deliberate {economic} planning to stay related and efficient.
“Sustaining Nigeria’s democracy requires efficient {economic} insurance policies,” he stated.
Jonathan added that nations should deal with aligning democratic governance with insurance policies that promote progress, employment, and shared prosperity.
He additionally pointed to world examples like China and the United Arab Emirates, the place some non-democratic methods have recorded vital {economic} beneficial properties, elevating questions concerning the assumed hyperlink between democracy and growth.
Jonathan urged policymakers, civil society actors, and the personal sector to make sure that democratic governance interprets into actual enhancements in residents’ lives.
He stated the aim must be a system the place democracy not solely survives however delivers alternative, prosperity, and justice for all Nigerians.
Boluwatife Enome
Times Nigeria