DEMOCRACY, GOOD GOVERNANCE AND DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT OF NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper examines the nexus among the 'embattled trinity' (democracy, good governance and development) using a contextual analysis of the Nigerian experience under the fourth republic. It argues that whereas democracy, defined as the process by which exercise of political power is vested on the people through their elected  representative (s), could be a harbinger of development, with good governance as the link in the chain, much of it would however depend on its time-frame, depth and the context within which it is pursued. It applies institutional analysis to explore the connections between democracy, good governance and development in Nigeria. Data was generated mainly through secondary sources of publications and report. The study reveals that the present state of democracy, good governance and development in Nigeria gives cause for concern, as it tends towards the direction of disempowerment. Indeed, challenges were outlined and were critically examined, leading us to the basic question of whether if Nigeria is really making steps to democracy, good governance and development. While democracy, good governance and development have been on course, it has not taken a firm root, because it has so far been pursued and predicated on western institutions. Given this scenario, the paper recommends for an urgent need for a reversal of the trend, if democracy, good governance and development must be genuinely nurtured and sustained in Nigeria, in the circumstance, we consider social mobilization in all its ramifications as a highly useful and pivotal option.