Engaging citizens as partners in development

Nigeria’s problems have been created largely by those who profit from tribulations that have plagued the nation. The ordinary Nigerian would not bother about who governs. The ruler’s tribe, colour or creed would not matter to them provided governments empower the civil populace and give them access to basic necessities.

What truly interests the citizenry is the running of an efficient and dynamic administration. If social services work in the Western world, it is because their people make them work by obeying regulations and perfoming their responsibilities as specified in their social contract with government. If people fail to fulfill their parts of the social contract, then they have no right to complain about underdevelopment, or tell stories about how infrastructure works perfectly abroad, and not in Nigeria. But a number of critical factors need to be considered.

Diversification of the economy to cater for regenerating vital sub-sectors of the economy including agriculture, power, housing infrastructure, mining, tourism, mass-transportation is an urgent requirement. Additionally, peace and security are prime contributors to growth. It is heartwarming to note that steps are being taken to eradicate the pervasive “business as usual’’ practice at the federal level in order to effect positive changes. The establishment of the Efficiency Unit in the Federal Ministry of Finance, transparency in award of contracts, and widening of the revenue base are highly commendable.

Indeed, there is no better time than now, for government at all levels to be responsive to the feelings of the people, with public office holders leading the way in encouraging a low profile agenda. The move to re-introduce the War Against Indiscipline with modifications to accommodate respect for the rule of law will assist national development.

Part of the foregoing could be accomplished by respect for regulations by everybody. For instance, certain conducts by public officers need to be reevaluated in order to successfully court the citizenry at this critical period in history. One of these is the flashy convoys that may send signals of waste when people are being requested to further tighten their belts. While our culture encourages the celebration of ignorance, by way of recording wastages through staging of expensive social functions and other acts of profligacy that create class distinction, culture is also dynamic and amenable to changes.

Therefore, governments may wish to consider payment of taxes on huge spendings on social functions like funeral and marriage ceremonies, and higher tarriffs on other luxurious items, including those numerous private jets. Tourism is capable of generating huge foreign exchange and deemphasise travels abroad on vacation, and so should be promoted. Sensitizing Nigerians to support government at all levels in the implementation of policies and plans is imperative.

However, the authorities must restore the confidence of the masses in the governments by practical indications of judicious management of resources. This would further boost morale and support for governments. Respect for regulations is important and enforcement of discipline must start from the top. For instance, the number of illegal users of the siren on the highways is disturbing, while enforcers of the law look the other way. Part of the implementation of this rule should be for authorities to withdraw privileges from those who are not entitled to them.

Obafemi Awolowo and Lateef Jakande are examples of leaders who resided in their private houses and drove in their private cars while occupying public offices. Former Governor Babatunde Fashola was modest throughtout his tenure as Lagos State governor. As Andrew Carnegie once asserted: ‘’The duty of the man of wealth…is to set examples of modest, unostentatious living, shunning the display of wealth and extravagance, provide moderately for the legitimate wants of those dependent upon him, and after doing so, consider all surplus revenues which come to him simply as trust funds which is for administration, in the manner in which his judgment is best calculated to produce the most beneficial results to the community.” This issue needs to be addressed as a form of reducing cost of governance, reducing poverty, and instilling discipline. A presidential directive on low profile is most desirable at this period.

The citizenry would be greatly pleased to further tighten their belts if leaders embrace a low profile culture. The nation can be successfully rebuilt in collaboration with the governed, consistency in policy formulation and implementation, periodic reforms, transparency, accountability, fiscal discipline and the enthronement of due process. Of importance is the need for home-grown policies in the critical sub-sectors of the economy, particularly agriculture, power, mass-transportation, housing, tourism, and mining.

Framers of a new constitution may wish to consider a home-grown political system that would reduce cost of governance by evolving a sytem comparable to the Westminster model that allows for legislators to function on part-time basis at the three levels of government. The fight against poverty and unemployment must be seen as a central plank of developmental planning and education should be regarded as the greatest investment, the surest foundation for development, and an inalienable right of the populace.

Nigeria, with her abundant resources is capable of performing economic miracles through the introduction of appropriate reforms, as the government takes active steps towards less reliance on Foreign loans and financial aid. Security breaches could be partly tackled with strategic communication to neutralise the effects of corrosive influences.

The political class must work towards gaining the support and confidence of the citizenry by embracing the culture of good governance. We are in a new era that could throw Nigeria into greater prominence and brighter global limelight again. Without any doubt, our fate is in our own hands. And that brings to mind JF Kennedy’s assertion in his Inaugural Address in 1961, in which he stated that “civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof…the burden of the ‘twilight struggle’ lay on this people and this generation.” Certainly, Nigeria’s ”dry bones’’ can rise again provided attitudinal changes, good governance, respect for the rule of law, and functional collaboration between the government and the governed guide our collective efforts at nation-building.
Adelegan sent this piece from Abuja, FCT