Former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has defended democratic governance, insisting that even a poorly performing elected government is preferable to the best military regime because democracy protects citizens’ freedoms and allows them to hold leaders accountable. He made the remarks on Tuesday while speaking at the 59th birthday celebration of Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri at […]
Former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has defended democratic governance, insisting that even a poorly performing elected government is preferable to the best military regime because democracy protects citizens’ freedoms and allows them to hold leaders accountable.
He made the remarks on Tuesday while speaking at the 59th birthday celebration of Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri at the Government House in Yola.
Osinbajo argued that democracy gives citizens, including those at the lowest economic levels, the right to express themselves, establish lawful associations and demand transparency from public officials.
“No matter how bad a democratically elected government is, it is still far better than the best military regime,” he said, describing democracy as the best system of government.
The former vice-president also urged the judiciary to put citizens at the centre of its work, warning that weak institutions undermine the democratic system they are meant to protect.
He maintained that government policies should focus on the welfare of the people, explaining that citizens are more likely to support an administration when its programmes produce visible improvements in their lives.
Addressing corruption and social welfare, Osinbajo called for a practical approach to fighting the menace and encouraged governments to engage citizens in policies aimed at providing social protection.
He recalled that during his tenure as vice-president and chairman of the Economic Team, ₦500 billion was budgeted for social intervention programmes, including school feeding and soft loans for small businesses. He said the initiatives were implemented successfully and delivered positive results.
Osinbajo stressed that the impact of public policies must reach communities at the grassroots, especially low-income households, to build public confidence in government.
He also commended Fintiri for infrastructure development and restoring peace in Adamawa, adding that the creation of new chiefdoms could strengthen peace and improve access to government in rural areas.
Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas also praised Fintiri for upgrading Yola’s infrastructure and developing the state capital. He noted that the Adamawa governor had received infrastructure awards under two separate Federal Government administrations.
Fintiri and his wife, Lami, who celebrated her 50th birthday alongside the governor’s 59th birthday, expressed gratitude to the dignitaries who attended the occasion. Guests included Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum.