Economically satisfied citizenry, strong insurance for thriving democracy – Adeleke

By Funmi Adekoya

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has identified resolving national economic challenges as a condition for strengthening democratic culture and enhancing productive participation of the citizenry.

Speaking at the 2023 Democracy Day Lecture organised by Coalition of Civil Society Coalition in the State, Governor Adeleke posited that an economically satisfied citizenry is a strong insurance for thriving democracy and good governance.

The Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, said a foundation that cannot be left out in a society practicing democracy is the economic platform noting that an hungry citizenry is likely to pose a serious threat to a credible electoral and democratic process.

He also identifies other issues as important for strengthening democratic culture to include a fair electoral umpire and security agencies committed to rule of law.

Governor Adeleke said Nigeria must uphold certain basic democratic norms for citizens’ participation to yield needed results, stressing that the democratic culture grows and flourishes when all the electoral and governance sub-sectors play their parts within the context of due process and rule of law.

The Governor however cautioned Nigerians on any expectation of perfection in democratic practice, adding that no democracy is perfect. From Europe to North America, democracy is still a work in progress.

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