Governance
By Constance Athekame
Experts and professionals have outlined strategies for advancing good governance and sustainable democracy in Nigeria.
The experts spoke at the Professional Forum for Good Governance (PFGG) in Abuja.
Organised by the Association for Public Policy Analysis (APPA), the event’s theme was “Nigerian Professionals and Sustainable Democracy: Issues and Perspectives.”
Mr Princewill Okorie, APPA president and forum convener, attributed ongoing professional complaints to a lack of active participation in the democratic process.
He urged professionals to fully engage, holding candidates accountable during and after elections.
“Unfortunately, there is no political advocacy platform that brings them together to appraise the situation and identify its impact on the professional community.
“This is the reason for initiating the Nigerian Professionals Forum for Good Governance.” He said.
Okorie noted that educated Nigerian professionals, exposed to governance and leadership issues, should leverage democratic and electoral opportunities to position their bodies and members for a better environment.
“Unfortunately, this expectation is not realised hence the need for political action and solutions through the Nigerian Professionals for Good Governance.
“Nigerian professionals need to take advantage of constitutional provisions as citizens to contribute to sustaining democratic governance, without sitting on the fence.”
Prof. Pat Utomi, founder of the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL) and a professor at Lagos Business School, was represented by Ephraim Nwoha.
He emphasised that democracy endures not just through elections, but via the quality of participants.
“Professionals must take the front line in the democratic process,” Utomi said.
He said Sustainable democracy requires legitimate processes, effective governance, and public trust areas where professionals excel.
“Professionals are trained to value process, evidence, and due diligence. When in office, they are more likely to sustain and strengthen institutions.
“This is a challenge for us all in Nigeria today, and as the 2027 elections approaches, it becomes imperative that we get involved.” He said.
Chief Ralph Nwosu, National Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), urged professionals and policymakers to scrutinise aspiring leaders.
In his presentation, “Nigerian Professionals: Policy Design and Implementation Leadership Challenges” he said policymakers should scrutinise the authenticity of aspiring leaders and political parties.
He said organisations should infuse content into the parties producing governors and presidents to improve the country.
“Serious organisations should see what is happening and say: ‘Let all of us participate in building a great country.
“When we examine the mission statements and core values of most professional bodies, they mean well.
” They uphold ethics wherever they are—that’s the quality we want in public servants.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
