The Public Affairs Correspondents Association of Nigeria (PACAN), the umbrella body of journalists covering politics, current affairs, governance and public policy, has called for greater accountability, transparency and clear policy direction in governance.
The association made the call through its President, Mr Idris Tele-Olukoya, during a live interview programme, “The Political Roundtable”, on RadioOne 103.5 FM, Lagos, on Wednesday. The programme was anchored by Mr Akinboye Akintola.
Tele-Olukoya said good governance must be built on accountability and transparency, stressing that government policies should prioritise the welfare of citizens.
He discussed the impact of fuel subsidy removal, the importance of political candidates’ manifestos and the need for accountability in the management of public resources.
According to him, the removal of fuel subsidy has significantly affected the cost of living and economic activities, with households, businesses and other economic actors feeling the impact.
“The impact of the fuel subsidy removal is being felt by households, businesses and other economic actors,” he said.
He stressed the need for government policies to adequately address citizens’ concerns, saying, “Every major economic policy should take into consideration its impact on ordinary Nigerians.”
On political manifestos, Tele-Olukoya urged candidates and political parties to present clear and realistic programmes capable of addressing the country’s economic and social challenges, rather than relying mainly on campaign rhetoric.
“Nigerians deserve to know what candidates intend to do when elected,” he said.
He said manifestos should provide a basis for citizens to assess candidates before elections and monitor their performance after assuming office.
“Manifesto should not be treated as a campaign document that is forgotten after elections,” he said.
The PACAN president also called on elected officials to regularly account for their stewardship by explaining how public resources are utilised and how policies are translated into tangible development.
“Those entrusted with public office must regularly account for their stewardship,” he said.
He stressed the importance of citizens having access to credible information on government programmes, projects and expenditure, noting that such access would enable them to participate meaningfully in governance.
Tele-Olukoya said the impact of major economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal, should be assessed not only by their fiscal implications but also by their effects on households, businesses and vulnerable groups.
He noted that the World Bank had similarly observed that subsidy reforms could create fiscal space but should be accompanied by measures to protect vulnerable households from the immediate effects of higher energy prices.
“Economic reforms should be implemented alongside measures that cushion their effects on vulnerable citizens,” he said.
Tele-Olukoya urged political leaders to place citizens’ interests at the centre of policy formulation and implementation, stressing that government policies should ultimately improve people’s lives.
“Government policies should ultimately improve the lives of the people,” he said.
He said effective governance required continuous engagement between leaders and citizens, adding that democracy should go beyond the casting of ballots during elections.
“Democracy should not end with voting; there must be continuous engagement between elected representatives and citizens,” he said.
He also urged citizens to study party manifestos, participate actively in democratic processes and demand accountability from elected representatives.
“Citizens must also play their part by understanding the choices before them and demanding responsible leadership,” he said.
On the role of the media, the PACAN president said journalists had a responsibility to promote informed public discourse by scrutinising government policies and providing citizens with balanced and credible information.
“The media must continue to hold leaders accountable while providing balanced and factual information to the public,” he said.
He urged politicians to focus on issues, policies, programmes and measurable achievements rather than personal attacks and political distractions.
“Political campaigns should be about ideas, programmes and solutions, not insults or personal attacks,” he said.
Tele-Olukoya maintained that accountability should not be limited to election periods, stressing that elected officials should be subjected to continuous scrutiny throughout their tenure.
“Accountability must continue from the day an official assumes office until the end of the tenure,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to engage political candidates on practical solutions to challenges affecting the economy, education, employment, infrastructure and social welfare.
“Candidates should be challenged to explain how they intend to address the problems confronting the people,” he said.
Tele-Olukoya said the ultimate objective of democratic governance should be to translate political promises into measurable improvements in the lives of citizens.
“The true measure of governance is the positive impact it has on the lives of the people,” he said.
