By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Nigerian leaders have been urged to uphold the tenets of democracy and demonstrate sincerity of purpose in governance to ensure sustainable development.
This call was made by Dr. Simon Kerga, Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Aliade, Benue State, during an exclusive interview with Daybreak in his office.
Dr. Kerga emphasized the importance of leaders believing in the democratic system they operate in, noting that only through genuine commitment and selfless service can the country achieve meaningful progress.
“My advice to our leaders at all levels is to believe in themselves, believe in the people, believe in the system they are operating, and pursue democratic principles with every sense of sincerity,” he said.
Describing democracy as a system that allows individuals the freedom to express themselves and live without authoritarian restrictions, Dr. Kerga said the return to democracy in 1999 remains worth celebrating.
“Democracy is a system of government that gives everyone the joy to speak freely, live freely, and operate freely. It is not an authoritarian regime where people are suppressed,” he stated.
However, the educationist lamented the lack of sincerity among many political actors, arguing that those entrusted with managing democracy often disregard its fundamental values.
“Sincerity is lacking. They are not building confidence among the people. Many of the things that ought to be done are left undone. The core tenets of democracy are often ignored, while undesirable practices dominate the system,” he added.
Dr. Kerga commended Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for promoting true democratic practices, noting a marked difference between the current administration and previous ones in terms of governance style and adherence to democratic norms.
Speaking on developments in his school, the principal revealed that student enrollment has grown significantly under his leadership—from 650 to over 1,500 students. He attributed the growth to improved monitoring and teaching strategies.
“We’ve put in place a mechanism where every lesson is monitored by designated personnel to ensure quality teaching and learning,” he explained.
