Former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has urged Nigerian leaders to strengthen democratic institutions and make government policies more responsive to ordinary citizens, arguing that even a poorly performing democracy is better than military rule.
Osinbajo spoke on Tuesday at an event marking the 59th birthday of Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri at the Government House in Yola.
He said democracy remained the best system of government because it allowed citizens to exercise their freedoms, form lawful associations and demand accountability and transparency from elected leaders.
The former vice-president also urged the judiciary to prioritise the protection of citizens’ rights rather than focus solely on preserving institutions.
He warned that weak institutions would undermine democracy, stressing that effective governance depended on institutions capable of protecting citizens and holding those in power accountable.
On economic policy, Osinbajo said governments needed to ensure that their programmes delivered tangible benefits to people, particularly those at the grassroots, to secure public support and accelerate development.
He said common sense should guide efforts to tackle corruption and urged authorities to engage citizens on policies designed to provide social protection.
Osinbajo cited social intervention programmes implemented during his tenure as vice-president, including school feeding and soft loans for small businesses, saying the administration had budgeted N500bn for such initiatives.
He also praised Fintiri for infrastructure development and restoring peace in Adamawa State.
The former vice-president said the creation of additional chiefdoms in the state could strengthen peace and bring government closer to rural communities.
Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas, who also spoke at the event, commended Fintiri for improving infrastructure and transforming Yola into a modern state capital.
Fintiri and his wife, Lami, who marked her 50th birthday on the same day, thanked guests for joining them in celebrating the occasion.
Dignitaries at the event included Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.
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