EMERIBE CHINYERE VICTORY
Student of Post-Graudate School
Federal University Lokoja,
Kogi State
&
PROF. SUBERU, OCHI ABDULRAHMAN
Department Of History and International Studies,
Federal University Lokoja
Abdulrahman-Suberu.Fulokoja.Edu.N
Abstract
Good governance manifesting in areas of rule of law, transparency, accountability, citizens participation among others are sine qua non for national peace and development. However, ‘poverty of leadership’ in most of the Nigeria’s 63 years of existence has not only hindered the nation’s development, but continued to threaten its development and stability. While it is widely believed that bad governance is prevalent in autocratic and oligarchic systems, it is evident now that bad governance does exist much more in democracies. Therefore, the study analyses the twin concepts of governance and good governance; assessed the nature of governance offered by the nation’s leaders; and its effects on national development. Using secondary data, the study revealed that, unethical practices, arbitrary rule and corruption which pervade public offices are products of bad governance. The study further revealed that, bad governance in Nigeria has brought about unemployment, poverty, crimes, internal violence, insurgents activities, diseases, loss of lives and properties, and underdevelopment of the country. The study concluded that until proactive steps are taken for the enthronement of good governance, peace, stability as well as development will continue to elude the nation, beyond this, the corporate existence of the nation remains threatened.
Key Words: Governance, Good Governance, palliatives, Development
Introduction
The institute for Governance and Economic Transformation (IGET) has advocated for increased spending in education, healthcare and the abolition of the Land Use Act as viable solutions to lift over 133 million poor Nigerians out of poverty. Indeed, education can play a major role in reducing poverty.1. According to the World Bank, education is central to development.2. Education promotes economic growth, national productivity and innovation, values of democracy and social cohesion. In Nigeria, the population without education account for most of the poor.
Going by this fact, the Nigerian government can reduce poverty through education by increasing the provision of ICT in schools located in rural areas, encouraging periodic training to expose teachers to modern day teaching methods and teaching aids, increasing teachers’ incentives in order to encourage the teaching profession.
By enhancing productivity of labour, through training and technological catch up, the GDP per capital of Nigeria could be improved. Second, being extractive sector-driven economy. This approach has to change.
Improving access to roads and communicationscan have a great impact on reducing poverty and opening opportunities for marginalised groups. Moreover, decentralization of public services, offices and industries can promote shared prosperity among the poor. This paper in the main, discusses, the palliatives that can be implemented to guarantee good governance and accountability in Nigeria.
Statement of the Problem
It is disheartening to note that since the removal of fuel subsidy in Nigeria, the price of fuel has skyrocketed from 185 naira per litre to approximately 540 naira per litre. This unprecedented price hikehas brought untold hardship and has had severe implications for the already burdened citizens of our nation, who struggle to make ends meet on daily basis.
The increase in fuel prices has overseen the economic challenges faced by Nigerians, particularly in the light of the fact that the minimum wage in the country stands at 30,000 naira. This enormous disparity between the cost of fuel and the income of the average Nigerian has created a situation that the basic necessity of transportation has become an unaffordable luxury for many.
The removal of fuel subsidy, as announced by the president has caused widespread hardship across the country.3 Nigerians are struggling to cope with the escalating cost of living, and the burden is placed on the shoulders of the most vulnerable members of the society.
This situation calls on the government to implement measures to mitigate the adverse effects of the fuel subsidy removal on the citizens. This paper canvasses and implore the government to priotise the welfare and well-being of the Nigerian people. This calls for palliatives that can be implemented to foster good governance and accountability in Nigeria state.
Theoretical Discourse
‘Good Governance’ can be considered to be a systemic approach to managing and supervising organisations properly which can positively impact their sustainability and profitability. Good governance, being the opposite of ‘bad governance’ is concerned with proper running management and supervision of a company by the board. A practical peaceful example of good governance is conducting regular board meetings, audits etc. Theoretically, corporate governance, concerns itself with people, competencies (performances), processes and policies.4
A holistic approach to governance is the most effective way to achieve good corporate governance to avoid it becoming a tick-box exercise. It requires looking at the organization from a 360-degree perspective, from the implementation of robust policies and procedures, hiring the right people with the relevant skills and competencies, implementing the right systems e.g regulatory technology to make reporting and supervision more effective, etc.5
For instance, if a board fails to meet regularly, this could consequently lead to inadequate supervision of the operations of the organization, making it more likely that corporate failings will arise and go unnoticed. Moreover, an absence of policies and procedures to catch and report operational breaches or bad conduct e.g whistle blowing, escalation, etc. could lead to higher probability of corporate failure.
The responsibility for implementing good governance ultimately rests with the Executive Management or in the case of smaller companies, the business owner or founder.6This is where the ‘tone form the top’ expression comes from. For good governance to become embedded into the culture of an organization, it has to be championed by topline management. Where the Executive Management, Board and Chairman or founder as the case may be fail to take responsibility for establishing good governance, it becomes more likely that the organization will be poorly governed and run into issues. In the case of a country, such responsibilities are embedded in the leaders who must be battle ready to provide palliatives proactive enough to stimulate good governance.
Similarly, organizations which invest more resources in Good Corporate governance practices, systems and policies ‘produce substantially better market results, can help companies weather the storm of an economic downturn’ additionally, good corporate governance has been found to improve the top-level decision-making process, create better control environments and reduce wastage.7
The implementation and practice of good governance could enhance the value proposition of organizations because companies which take governance and due process more seriously is not likely to run into trouble. In practice, this translates to greater financial management and supervision, and incidents such as internal corruption, financial leakages, ‘cooking the books’ etc, become less of an occurrence.
Companies and organisations which continually invest in strengthening its corporate governance mechanisms could, by doing so, increase stakeholder confidence in the process, which can reflect positively on the balance sheet in the long term.
When there is commitment to good corporate governance in an industry, it enhancesthe market collectively which helps with market confidence and encourages stability and long-term international investment flows into the country.
It is evident that there is a cost of good governance because it requires investing in competent and skilled people, processes and policies however notwithstanding in the long run, it is still a worthwhile investment. Building companies and organizations is a form of economic and social activity that should be done with a long term view and it is important to remind all companies and stakeholders that, no matter how small or large a company may be, corporate governance should not be taken for granted.8 Investment in good corporate governance is not just for profitability but also for sustainability.
Just as it is with companies and organizations, country that invests in good governance such as provision of employment, good leadership training in public sector management is good to go in the way of good governance and accountability in a country. With this in focus, it is good to discuss in details what constitute good governance in a country.
Good Corporate Governance is like setting foundation for a building. The building cannot stay without a solid foundation, and any efforts to build on it will be fruitless. Good corporative governance provides the same solid foundation for a business, allowing it to stand firm and thrive in the long run. Some examples of good corporate governance practices are: ensuring transparency and accountability in its operations. This could involve implementing measures such as regular financial reporting and audits, and establishing clear lines of responsibility and accountability within the organization, promoting ethical behaviour within the organization by establishing a code of conduct for employees, implementing measures to prevent conflicts of interest, corruption, ensuring its decision processes are inclusive and participating by engaging with critical satellites such as local communities, societies, and international agencies to ensure their voices are audible.9
Good corporative governance is also critical component of development. It involves the efficient and effective use of resources, transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. Good corporate governance is essential for building trust and confidence among stakeholders, society standard agencies and multinationals.10.
Understanding Governance and Good Governance
Governance is a concept that is germane and relevant to corporate organisation; regional organisation; international organisations and institutions; among other groups and organisations across the globe. Etymologically speaking, the term ‘‘governance’’ is believed to have originated from the ancient Greek. Semantically, it is being used as a verb kybernein (infinitive) or kybernao (first person) which literally means ‘steering’, ‘guiding’, or ‘maneuvering a ship or a land-based vehicle’11. Plato was reputed also to have used the word ‘governance’ for the first time ever. Plato had used the word metaphorically to depict ‘the governing of men’ or ‘the governing of people’12. Accordingly, the concept of governance in relation with “government” or “governs” has for long been around in political and academic discourse, depicting the tasks of carrying on governmental activities or assignment.13.
Governance to the World Bank is a system through which ‘power is exercised in the management of a country’s political, economic and social resources for development’.14Theemphasis here, according to the World Bank, is ‘the use of power to control political and economic resources of the nation’. Thus, governance is about securing political power in order to control economic power for the purpose of nation’s development. Put differently, it is about using nation’s wealth for the benefit of the nation only. While the definition is true to the developed nations of the world, it is far from being true in the third world countries, especially in most African nations. Most African leaders cannot differentiate between private and public organisation; they run nation like their personal businesses and corner nation’s wealth for themselves and their cliques. To the International Monetary Fund (IMF), governance is seeing as ‘all aspects of the way a country is governed, its economic policies and regulatory framework’.15 It can be inferred from the definition that governance has to do with the totality of governmental actions and activities that are geared or directed toward making and realising effective economic policies. The definition lays emphasis on ‘economic policies’ which is regarded as the backbone of the nation’s stability and development. Suffice to say that a well-planned economic policy is a precondition for the survival, stability and development of the nation.
Good Governance, on the other hand, has been variously defined often to suit different purposes. The concept of ‘good governance’ came to prominence after the end of the Cold War around 1990 in donor discourse. For that, the World Bank who was the first major donor institution even adopted ‘good governance’ as a condition for lending to developing countries.16.
The former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan sees ‘good governance’ as ‘the single most important factor in eradicating poverty and promoting development’.17 To Annan, lack of good governance will continue to promote hunger and underdevelopment. It is through good governance that impact of governmental activities can be felt, particularly in the area of economic growth and development. To the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP), ‘good governance’ is about striving for the rule of law, transparency, equity, effectiveness/efficiency, accountability, and strategic vision in the exercise of political, economic, and administrative authority.18 In other words, it could be seen as a process where public officers and institutions conduct public affairs and manage public resources effectively through the above listed conditions.
Transparency and Accountability in Public Offices: Nigeria’s Experience
Transparency and accountability are ‘two interrelated and complementary concepts’ that are indispensable to any governance system that will be termed ‘good.19’. Transparency and accountability remain requisite for the nation’s development. This is because they provide the basis for ‘good’, policies formulation and implementation; emphasises the strategies for economic growth and development; and enhance efficient management of resources for the nation’s sustenance and general development.
Transparency in public offices means openness in governance, where the ruled can trust the rulers and be able to predict the rulers to some extent. Transparent governance could be said to be existing when the ruled have a very clear idea of what their government is doing. Transparent governance allows for transparent decisions and implementation; as well as enhances decisions made to be understood by those whom the decisions are binding on. It also enhances the decisions taken to be enforced in a manner that follows rules and regulations. Transparency brings about openness in governance and administration, and allows free flow of information on the nation’s economic matters, such that the citizens are briefed from time to time about precise information on nation’s state of economy. Put differently, transparent governance provides a forum whereby fiscal (monetary) operations and activities of government are reported to the public with absolute sincerity. Through open operation of activities, government can secure the trust and confidence of the people in whom sovereignty lies.
Accountability, on the other hand, means ‘responsibility’ and ‘answerability’, where public officers are expected to perform their constitutional duties for the benefit of all the citizenry freely without discrimination. Accountability is about holding public officers accountable for their actions and inactions either while in the office or after leaving the office.20Accountability enforces on public officers to give accounts of their stewardship and being held responsible for mistake(s) committed while performing their duties as public officers. Accountability has to do with maintaining honesty and probity in governmental businesses. Accountability reflects the need for government and its representatives to serve the public effectively and diligently.
One of the major facilitators of transparency and accountability is the media, especially an independent media. A media that is reliable and competent, that can monitor and give accurate reports on government’s actions and activities. A media that is completely free from government’s interference and control. That is, an unbiased media that can provide needed and up-to-date information for the people. The media can perform effectively well, when it is allowed to perform their duties without hindrances. When media is operating under a conducive atmosphere, it can constitute a check or watchdog on government; and provide information on any anti-people policies of government. However, in Nigeria, there is information restriction. That is, there is an extent to which information about the government can be divulged or disseminated to the people. Information about government and its activities is most of the time censored before feeding with the people.
Civil Society Organisation (CSO) on the other hand also facilitates transparency and accountability in government. Civil Society Organisation functions as intermediary between the people and the State. CSO is seen as an agent which helps in the promotion of good governance. CSO achieve this by monitoring the State performance, as well as the activities of the officeholders. CSO could mobilise and organise protests against unfavourable governmental policies. However, the power of CSO could be curtailed by the government especially when government feels that the CSO activities could make people to rise against them. Thus, government could hide under reasons associated with threat to the nation’s security; vis-à-vis threat to national peace, lives and corporate existence of the nation to weaken or clamp down on the activities of the CSO.21
In spite of the importance of transparency and accountability to good governance and nation’s development, it has not been given the serious attention it deserves in the country by successive governments. This is because most of the political leaders that have emerged and even the present ones are greedy and self-centred, and as a result, they have continued to cost the nation’s its development. For that reason, Ake described them as ‘the wealthiest people in Nigeria’.22Theirwealth is acquired through the use of state power. Many of these leaders perpetrated corruption with impunity vis-à-vis award of inflated contracts to themselves and their cliques, as well as converting the nation’s resources to their own. It was as a result of the foregoing, that Annan, the then Secretary- General of United Nations (UN), declares that political leaders contributed to the underdevelopment nature of their various states by the pattern of governance they offered for their countries. According to him, “power gets personalised in the winner- takes-all kind of politics…there are insufficient accountability of leaders, lack of transparency in regimes, inadequate checks and balances, non-adherence to the rule of law…and excessive political control”.23.
The position of Annan is not at variance with that of Adegbami and Uche (2016). They asserted thus:
Most of the political leaders in Nigeria could best be described as political merchants. This is because; they see politics as a business deal that brings forth huge profits. Nigeria’s political leaders do not believe in service to the people; instead they are self-serving as they serve themselves more than the governed, hence always play politics of wealth acquisition. Many of these so-called leaders came to power without “shoe” but after spending few years in the offices, they would not only have acquired many shoes, but would have garnered fleet of cars, private jets, and different mansions in choice areas of Nigeria and abroad. They equally would have owned fat bank accounts in Nigeria as well as foreign accounts across the world. This type of politics thus, becoming the bane of Nigeria’s efforts at developments.24
Although, steps are being taken to curb corruption and foster transparency in governance. One of such steps is asset declaration by the political officeholders. For instance, the late President, Musa Yar’adua publicly declared his assets along with the Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan in 2007. Their successors President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osibajo had also followed suit. However, officeholders’ sincerity about the declaration of assets cannot be ascertained, going by the recent development in governmental circle where the former Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki was tried by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). Saraki is being alleged to have made false declaration of assets as well as acquired assets more than his legitimate earnings while serving as the governor of Kwara State.25. The initial refusal of Saraki to appear before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, as a siting Senate President then, when he was summoned and by approaching the Courts for injunctions to restrict the Tribunal from trying him was an indication that public officers in Nigeria still treat the issue of transparency and accountability with levity.26. Apart from the Senate President, other members of the past administration who have been facing corrupt charges include the Secretary to the Government of Federation (SGF), Mr. Babachir Lawal who was accused of lack of transparency in the award of contracts to the tune of N2.5bn for the care of Internally Displaced Persons, (IDPs) without following due process.
Mr. Ibrahim Magu, the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the commission saddled with the responsibility of waging war against corruption was also alleged of lack of transparency and accountability in the management of the activities of the commission. His accusation follows the investigation carried out by the Department of State Security (DSS) which indicted him of anomaly in the conduct of the affairs of the EFCC. Other public officers who were alleged alongside Mr. BabachirLawal and Mr. Ibrahim Magu are – The former Chief of Army Staff, Lt General TukurBuratai, and the President’s Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abba Kyari. While there is the tendency of political games in the accusation levied against these officers, the reluctance of the government to institute and immediate probe of the activities of the alleged officers makes one to doubt the seriousness of the government at stamping out corruption in Nigeria.27.
6. Recommendations for Good Governance and Accountability in Nigeria.
To alleviate the suffering of the masses of Nigeria, measures (Palliatives) that could be implemented to caution the effect of hardship on the citizens on one hand, and to guarantee good governance and accountability on the other hand.
The first measure as palliative is social security or secured the safety of life and property of the citizenry, free medical and health services, affordable housing should be provided to the rural and urban poor. The ability of the government to embark on these lifesaving schemes would guarantee good governance, restore hopes and confidence in the citizens.
There should be an urgent job creation as well as improving conditions of employees and creating opportunities for all to sustain themselves through productive activities. This will mop up and dry up the airing of unemployment youth in Nigeria. With government embarking on this palliative measures, prostitution, armed robbery, gangsterism and many other social ills and vices will disappear from the landscape of Nigeria. This will not only create a healthy society, but go further to guarantee good and stable governance.
There should be a concerted and deliberate government action to improving the living conditions through developing basic physical and social services, health care, and education and training for urban and rural communities. The government must embark on a set of measures, both economic and humanitarian, to permanently lift people out of poverty. An implementation of these measures guarantees good governance and accountability.
The youth need to educate themselves on self-discipline by having a positive mindset towards the search and the use of money. They must always be ready to leverage on community resources, avoiding predating ready -made affluence, and should always not be afraid to walk away from activities that portend turbulence.
In every sense of the action, there is need to improve agricultural productivity and incomes and promoting better nutritional practices at all levels and programmes that enhance direct and immediate access to food by the needy. This would set the country on a higher ground for growth, development and good governance. To implement palliatives that will guarantee good government and accountability therefore, there is need to meet people’s needs, moving them to a decent livelihood, training them to save and budget, and invest in wealth creation activities.
Conclusion
On the whole, the pillars upon which a country can stand to guarantee good governance and accountability are consolidating peace and security, revitalising the economy, strengthening Governance and the Rule of Law as well as rehabilitating infrastructure and delivering basic infrastructures.
The removal of fuel subsidy was no doubt brought about untold hardship to Nigerians. As a matter of urgency, government should explore alternative solutions that could alleviate the burden on the citizenry. The paper canvasses and implores the government to prioritise the welfare and well-being of the Nigerians.
While government is doing their best to enhance good living conditions for her citizenry, the youths needs to educate themselves o self-disciple, patient in their search for money. They must always be ready to leverage on community resources, avoiding predating ready-made affluence and walk away from activities that portend turbulence.
Endnotes
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2. Source: https://www.worldbank.org>topic
3. Source: Daily Post Nigeria. dailypost.org.
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5. Source: Dilitinst: https”//www.dilitingt.com>views
6. Source: Mondaq: https://www.Mondag.com>Nigeria
7. Source: OlisaAgbakoba Legal: https://0ap.law
8. Source: OECD: https://www.oed.org>inv (pdf)
9. Source: Audible: https://www.audible.com>impact
10. Source: https://onoloo.com.blog>wwly-co
11. Source: Wikipedia : htpps://en.m.wilikipedia org.wiliki
12. Campbell &Carayannis (2013). Conceptual Definition of Two Key terms:
Governance and Higher Education. Retrieved February 10, 2017 from http://www.springer.com/cda/content/document/cda_downloaddocument/978 1461444176-c2.pdf?SGWI
13. Understanding the Concept of Governance. Retrieved September 9, 2016, from http://www.gdrc.org/u-gov/governance-understand.html
14. World Bank (1993).Governance. Washington, D.C.: World Bank.
15. IM.F. 2016
16. Udo, E. S. (2004). Defining Good Governance – The Conceptual Competition is on. Berlin: Wissenschaftszentrum.
17. UN (1998).Annual Report of the Secretary-General on the Work of the Organization. Retrieved 22 November 2011 from http://www.un.org/Docs/SG/Report98/ch2.htm
18. United Nations Development Programme (2002). Human Development Report 2002: Deepening Democracy in a Fragmented World. New York: UNDP.
19. Ajayi, (2003) Good Governance in Nigeria: A catalyst to National Peace; Research Gate
20. Source Finn, P (1994) “Public Trust and Public Accountability, Grififith Law Review Vol. 3, No. 2, page 228
21. Source : Ademola, A (2011). Endagering Good Governance for Sustainable Democracy: The Continuity Struggle Against Corruption in Nigeria. Journal of Research in Peace, Gender and Development 1 (11) 307-314, December.
22. Ake, C (1996).Democracy and Development in Africa, American.Com.
23. Mbah, C. (2013). Leadership Question and Development Crises: The 21st Century Challenges in Africa and Quest for Change. Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa, Vol. 15, No.2.
24. Adegbami, A. &Uche, C. I. N. (2016). Despotic Democrats Versus Good Governance: Challenges of Administration of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. Journal of Developing Areas, Vol. 50, Issue 4, 195-210.
25. Owete, F. &Akinwumi, A. (2015). Exclusive: Inside the N10billion Assets Saraki Declared as Governor. Retrieved August 14, 2017, from http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/191783-exclusive-inside- the-n10billion-assets-saraki-declared-as-governor.html
26. Makinde, L. O. (2015).The Plunderers and Challenges of Socio-Economic Development in Nigeria. Public Policy and Administration Research Vol.6, No.1, 8-13.
27. Umoru, H. & Erunke, J. (2016). Alleged Corruption by SGF: The World is Watching how Buhari ’ll Treat Matter — Saraki. Retrieved February 10, 2017 from http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/12/alleged-corruption-sgf-world- watching-buharill-treat-matter-saraki