Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and Peter Obi have called for greater justice, accountability and good governance as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and improve development.

The two political figures spoke on Tuesday, August 11, at the annual Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi, where political leaders and stakeholders gathered to discuss the future of democratic governance in Africa.

The event, organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in partnership with the Bauchi State Government, had the theme: “Beyond Elections: Can Political Parties and the Judiciary Save African Democracy.”

Diri Calls for Stronger Democratic Institutions

Addressing participants, Diri argued that Nigeria must strengthen its democratic institutions while ensuring greater fairness in the management and distribution of the country’s resources.

The Bayelsa governor said democracy should ultimately improve the lives of citizens rather than be limited to elections and political processes.

He drew attention to the distribution of revenues from Nigeria’s natural resources, particularly crude oil, and called for greater consideration for communities where those resources are produced.

Diri said Bayelsa, despite being one of Nigeria’s oil-producing states, has only eight local government areas.

He argued that communities responsible for significant oil production should receive adequate benefits from resources extracted from their areas.

According to the governor, justice and equity in resource distribution are necessary for Nigeria to achieve sustainable development and maintain public confidence in democratic governance.

Diri Makes Case for True Federalism

Diri also renewed calls for what he described as true federalism, arguing that Nigeria’s governance structure should provide greater fairness and opportunities for development across communities.

He expressed concern that some communities had remained without essential infrastructure for decades despite the country’s natural resource wealth.

The governor also called for greater attention to local government administration, describing local councils as important drivers of grassroots development.

Diri linked inadequate development in resource-producing communities with some of the security challenges confronting the country.

He warned that persistent insecurity could threaten Nigeria’s stability and stressed that justice, fairness and effective governance were necessary for democracy to succeed.

The governor also commended former President Goodluck Jonathan for providing a platform where leaders and other stakeholders could exchange ideas about strengthening Nigeria.

He expressed optimism that cooperation among political leaders and citizens could contribute to stronger democratic institutions and sustainable national development.

Peter Obi Calls for Accountability

Speaking at the dialogue, Peter Obi called on Nigerians to reject poor governance, injustice and political manipulation while demanding greater accountability from political leaders.

Obi said citizens needed to ask critical questions about the direction of the country and participate actively in efforts to address its challenges.

He argued that Nigeria possesses the potential to become more prosperous if citizens work collectively and hold those occupying public offices accountable.

Obi also expressed concern about what he described as the deterioration of democratic values and the failure of some political leaders to place citizens’ welfare ahead of personal political interests.

According to him, political power should primarily serve the public rather than become an instrument for advancing individual interests.

Insecurity, Poverty and Economic Hardship

Obi identified insecurity, poverty, economic hardship and declining confidence in public institutions among the major challenges confronting Nigeria.

He called on both political leaders and citizens to put national interests ahead of individual considerations in efforts to rebuild the country.

Obi also urged Nigerians to become more involved in the democratic process and demand improvements in governance, justice and accountability.

He said stronger democratic participation and responsible leadership would be crucial to securing better opportunities for future generations.

The Bauchi Democracy Dialogue brought together political leaders and other stakeholders to examine the role of political parties, the judiciary and democratic institutions in strengthening governance in Nigeria and across Africa.