Private Sector Forum Calls for Strengthening of Media, Judiciary, Electoral Bodies
Dike Onwuamaeze
The Private Sector Development for Democratic Forum (PSDdF) has declared that strengthening democratic institutions like the media, judiciary, and electoral bodies is essential for upholding justice, ensuring transparency and maintaining public trust in Nigeria.
The PSDdF is a collaborative initiative that is supported by the Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) and the American Business Council (ABC) in Nigeria, which brings together leaders from public and private sectors, civil society, think-tanks, media partners and policy-making bodies to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Speaking yesterday in Lagos at the “National Agenda for Democratic Strengthening (NADS) Briefing with Private Sector Leaders by PSDdF,” the Country Director, CIPE Nigeria, Ms. Lola Adekanye, said: “strong democratic institutions are essential for upholding justice, ensuring transparency, and maintaining public trust.
“In Nigeria, the judiciary, media, electoral bodies, and accountability agencies play crucial roles in preserving democratic principles, but they are often hindered by political interference, weak regulatory frameworks, and limited operational independence.
“Strengthening these institutions is key to a resilient and transparent democracy.”
She added: “In Nigeria, there is a significant need for continuous training for government workers and improved civic education for the public.
“Building the skills of public officials and educating citizens on their democratic rights and responsibilities will foster a more efficient government and an empowered, informed society.”
The PSDdF noted that corruption has remained a major barrier to Nigeria’s democratic and economic development, and has eroded public trust and weakened government institutions.
It suggested that “strengthening anti-corruption efforts, protecting whistleblowers and enhancing the autonomy of accountability agencies are essential to creating a transparent, accountable government that serves the people’s interest.”
Speaking on corruption during the briefing, a resource person who is also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Charles Adeyemi Candide-Johnson, said that the environment for corruption must be made harsh and intolerable.
He said: “What is most lacking in Nigeria is the failure to hold people liable. You have to make examples of criminals. It is part of teaching society how to behave.”
Speaking in the same vein, the Vice President/Country Director of DAI, Dr. Joe Abah, who was also a resource person, noted that corruption is such a major problem that it is being suspected that Nigeria might not actually survive if corruption is terminated completely because the whole system in the country is built around corruption.
Abah, who was formerly the director general of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Nigeria, said: “We have got disregard for principles. There is a blurring of the boundary between right and wrong; and in many cases the blurring of the line between good and evil.
“The taking of bribe is bad but somebody gives it. That is why it is really important that integrity and code of conduct in the private sector are upheld.”
