Good governance ideal for participation, rule of law — Group

It has been stressed that good governance is not a lofty ideal alone, it is participation, rule of law, transparency, accountability, equity, and responsiveness.

The assertion was made by Jeremiah Dan’Asabe, Bauchi State Coordinator, Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN), during a rally in support of good governance in Nigeria, held at Birshin  Gandu and Rafin Zurfi areas of Bauchi LGA.

He started saying, “It is an honor to stand before you today, reflecting on the twin pillars of good governance and justice, and confronting the harsh reality of bad governance that continues to afflict our nation.”

He stressed that “when leaders listen, when institutions act fairly, and when every voice, especially the vulnerable, is heard, we build a society where justice and fairness thrive.”

Speaking on the effects of the Pain of bad governance, he stated that, “Yet, we have witnessed the opposite in many parts of Nigeria. From banditry and kidnapping to the heartbreaking allegations of genocide against Christians and other communities.”

According to him, “Bad governance has left mass graves, displaced families, and broken trust. The silence that follows such atrocities is a betrayal of our collective humanity.”

In his remarks, Comrade Mustapha Ibrahim Tukur, North-East Zonal Coordinator of IBBN, stressed that,

“Good governance is the antidote to insecurity. Banditry and kidnapping must end because they erode the fabric of our communities.”

According to him, “Justice delayed is justice denied, we must demand accountability from all levels of government. Equity and inclusion are non‑negotiable; no citizen should be left behind because of religion, ethnicity, or gender.”

It was therefore resolved that there must be the strengthening of Community participation, engagement of Youths, Women, and faith leaders in decision‑making.

There must be demand on transparency through open budgets, open procurement, zero tolerance for corruption as well as protection of human rights by standing against extrajudicial actions; support victims of violence and displacement.

The IBBN also stressed collaboration with security agencies, emphasizing the statement credited to former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El‑Rufai, who stated that “bandits have lost their right to life; we must back our forces with resources and intelligence.”

It also advocated for Policy Change by pushing for the National Livestock Transformation Plan and decentralised justice to curb farmer‑herder conflicts.

To leaders at all levels in the Country, IBBN declared that,”Let us remind those in power that governance is a trust, not a privilege. When fairness falters, when justice is bought and sold, the nation bleeds, whether in Plateau, Benue, or Borno.”

According to it, “The reports of genocide and mass killings are a clarion call: We must act, we must speak, we must hold perpetrators accountable.”

“In Birshin Gandu and Rafin Zurfi, let this gathering be the seed of change. Let us walk together, Coordinators, Traditional rulers, faith leaders, and citizens, towards a Nigeria where good governance is lived, justice is felt, and fairness is the rule, not the exception,” it concluded.