Prof Gambari Says Democracy Offers Best Chances To Achieve National Goals, Unity, Transformation

Ajide Felix December 9, 2022December 9, 2022 0 Comments

The Chief of Staff to President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari

Nigerian politicians have been called upon to use the opportunity provided by the electioneering campaigns to remind Nigerians that despite the plethora of challenges facing the nation, democratic governance still offer the best chances to achieve national goals and transformation.

The Chief of Staff to President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari made this assertion when he delivered the 12th convocation lecture of Al-Hikmah University, with theme: “Democratic Transition and Challenges of Good Governance in Nigeria ” on Thursday at llorin.

The diplomat noted that democratic governance still stand out as the best chance for the achievement of the goals of our national transformation, and to provide the most solid platform for realising our national greatness.

The Chief of Staff pointed out that the challenges of human security afglicting democracies is a global phenomenon.

“Not surprisingly, the situation is exercising the minds of Scholars, activists , and leaders around the world.

“The Central question that is posed is how democracy can be renewed and reinvigorated to better serve the needs of citizens?

” I feel the Nigerian scholarly community in general has its work cut out, including you at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin.

” At a time when students of democracy around the world are stepping up their work on how democratic governance could be recalibrate to meet the challenges of very rapid changing times,

“Our scholarly community must rise to the challenge of how, in our context, elected government can be ushered to a new phase that will enable leaders to answer the problems of the day.

“The importance and urgency of ensuring that democratic governance works to advance human security cannot be overstated.

“In the face of real challenges, unhealthy ideologies and fears that are threatening to divide Nigerians, need to be countered with a new vision of faith in the benefits of our oneness and hope in our future.

“Indeed, we must not permit the enemies of the Nigerian State to triumph over the legitimate aspiration, for a united, peaceful and prosperous nation,” he said.

Prof Gambari urged Nigerians to build on the foundation already laid by President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to him, under President Buhari significant strides have been made in the implementation of the administration tripod Programme on Security, Economy and Anti-Corruption.

” The score card is there for any objective analysis. In addition to massive infrastructural projects and his commitment to free and fair elections in 2023.

” The President would leave Nigeria a legacy of safer, more diversified and growing economy and more united country than he inherited in 2015.”

The diplomat pointed out that the quest forvthe delivery of dividends of democracy has been stymied by a number of domestic factors.

“Among these factors is the significantly weakened capacity of our public service institutions, the persistence of corruption in the public sector and a sharp decline in ethical values in the society.

In his closing remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Al-Hikmah University, Prof. Noah Yusuf, urged Nigerians to continue to support President Buhari’s administration, saying that the country would soon overcome some of challenges facing her like insecurity.

In attendance were the founder of the University, Dr AbdulRaheem Oladimeji, Asiwaju of Igbomina land, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. G.O. Akashoro, Registrar, Dr K.A. Oladimeji, Pro-chancellor, Alhaja Sekinat Yusuf, representative of the state governor, among others.