The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has joined numerous Nigerians both home and abroad in the celebration of the new Democracy Day to commemorate the late politician, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola popularly known as MKO, the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 general elections even as it advocates good governance in building a better Nigeria.
this was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Vice President Publicity and Strategy and the General-Secretary of the Guild, Mr. Israel Bolaji and Abdulrahman Aliagan respectively.
The statement stated that, June 12 which was formerly known as Abiola Day and celebrated in Lagos and other South Western states of Nigeria until June 10, 2019, when President Muhammadu Buhari assented to the Bill and declared the day as a public holiday, marking the new Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
The Guild however advised politicians to build a better Nigeria.
“Politicians and political office holders should know that the major reason why they are voted for or trusted with political offices is to deliver on the dividend of democracy and affecting nation-building very positively as well as having positive impact on human and capital development for sustainable socioeconomic growth and development.”
The statement further said that, for democracy to bring about good governance, it must be premised on the rule of law, protection of human rights and dignity, accountability, equity and inclusiveness.
The Guild further noted that accountability is a key requirement of good governance stressing that, not only government institutions but also the private sector and civil society organizations must be accountable to the public.
“Government institutions must produce results that meet the needs of the society while making the best use of resources at their disposal.
“The concept of efficiency in the context of good governance also covers the sustainable use of natural resources and the protection of the environment,” the Guild maintained.
The statement therefore concludes that, good governance is an ideal which Nigeria as a country is still working very hard to achieve; actions must be taken to work towards this ideal with the aim of making Nigeria a better country so as to achieve the essence in which June 12 was made a Democracy Day.
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