By Abigail Philip David
Vice President Kashim Shettima has reassured Nigerians of the government’s commitment to addressing critical national issues, including fixing the economy, combating corruption, ensuring security, and fostering national cohesion.
Shettima spoke on Monday during the National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria, themed *“Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathways to Good Governance and Political Integrity,”* organized by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development in Abuja.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Shettima acknowledged that while democracy is imperfect, it remains the best system of governance.
“Our administration is aware of the concerns over our direction and goals, particularly given the challenges posed by some of our policies. We are committed to correcting the defects in our economy and improving approaches to securing our communities,” he stated.
Shettima admitted that the transition from past challenges to a brighter future would not be without sacrifices but assured Nigerians that the administration would remain focused. “We will listen, adjust where necessary, and remain accountable. Nigeria shall rise again and achieve its full potential,” he added.
The Vice President emphasized the government’s commitment to democratic values, which include fixing economic weaknesses, securing communities, fighting corruption, supporting free and fair elections, strengthening judicial independence, and enhancing national unity. He urged Nigerians to support the government’s efforts, describing the journey as challenging but rewarding.
Highlighting the administration’s interest in strengthening democracy, Shettima stressed the need for leaders to demonstrate transparency, respect the rule of law, and prioritize the welfare of citizens. “Nigerian democracy must go beyond electing leaders every four years. It must reflect leaders’ commitment to serving the people, protecting their interests, and promoting their welfare,” he said.
He called for the development of institutions that guarantee citizens’ rights, ensure judicial independence, and uphold governance standards with efficiency and integrity.
**Ghana’s Former Vice President Stresses Leadership and Institutions**
In his keynote address, Ghana’s former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, highlighted that while democracy is imperfect, it remains the preferred system of governance for protecting individual liberties and rights.
“For democracy to thrive, national ambition must take precedence over personal ambition. Elections should not be do-or-die affairs, and the right of citizens to freely choose their leaders must be sacrosanct,” Bawumia said.
He stressed the importance of strong institutions in guaranteeing citizens’ rights and preventing abuses of power. According to him, effective democracy is one that efficiently delivers public goods and services, creates opportunities for all, and ensures no one is left behind.
**Call for Inclusive Democratic Practices**
The Executive Director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, called for a resilient and inclusive democratic system. He noted that Nigeria’s 25 years of uninterrupted democracy have been plagued by structural issues such as electoral malpractice, corruption, and weakened governance structures.
“The goal of this conference is to reignite hope, rebuild trust, and outline a path toward a stronger democracy that serves all Nigerians with accountability and integrity,” Igbuzor said.
