Vice-President Kashim Shettima says Nigerians will benefit from the challenges posed by the current administration’s policies, describing them as necessary steps toward building a more prosperous nation.
Shettima spoke on Monday in Abuja at a national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria organised by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development.
Shettima, who was represented by Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, his special adviser on political matters, acknowledged the difficulties citizens are facing but assured them that the government remains focused on long-term goals.
“I would like to assure Nigerians that our administration is acutely aware of many concerns over our direction and goals, particularly given the difficulties which some of our policies inevitably generate,” he said.
“We are involved in correcting many defects in our economy and approaches to securing the citizen.
“We have been honest to admit that this transition from a broken past and a promising future will not be without a price, and we will remain focussed on easing the pain and ensuring that we do not take our eyes off the goals.
“We will listen and adjust where necessary, and we will account our stewardship in all manners our challenging democratic systems demands
“I am convinced that we will reap the benefits of our current, unavoidable difficulties. I am convinced that Nigeria shall rise again, answer to its full potential and lead the way to a future that would have learnt lessons from a difficult past into a world in which our country will be a key player, and our young will be active champions of a democratic system because it speaks to them.”
Shettima noted that democracy, though imperfect, remains the best form of government.
“It has been said many times that democracy is an imperfect system, yet superior to all others,” he said.
“We will continue to seek to provide evidence of the values of the democratic systems by, among others, fixing major weaknesses of our economy, securing our communities, fighting corruption, supporting free and fair elections, strengthening the independence of the judiciary and improving national cohesion.
“I would like to appeal to fellow Nigerians to join us in this challenging but ultimately rewarding journey.”
‘DEMOCRACY NOT JUST ABOUT ELECTIONS’
Shettima said elections must transcend mere periodic voting, instead fostering a culture of transparent, people-centered governance and leadership accountability.
The vice president said the current administration is deeply invested in enhancing the democratic system’s quality and core components.
He added that elected leaders in Nigeria bear significant responsibility for promoting democracy through good governance, accountability, and respect for citizens’ welfare.
“This reminds us that we owe our current positions to the democratic process, and it is our duty to continually police its effectiveness and impact on the lives of all Nigerians,” he said.
“Nigerian democracy must mean a lot more than asking Nigerians to line up every four years to elect leaders.
“It must mean, in practical terms, that leaders commit to the demands of elected leadership in very transparent manners, that mandates given to them to govern make them servants to the interests of the people, custodians of their assets, and protectors of their interests.
“The best leaders are people who exercise power only to promote the interests of their people.
“These interests include making laws that are consistent with the economic welfare and security of the citizen; that the judiciary is free from interference and corruption; that institutions and structures of governance function with the highest standards of efficiency and integrity; that citizens’ voices are heard and respected not just during elections; and the basic rules of competition between parties and interests are respected.”
