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THE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
OF PART 1 OF THE MID-TERM REPORT
OF THE TRANSFORMATION AGENDA
(2011 – 2013)
…taking stock, moving forward
1
INTRODUCTION
Advancing Democracy
The administration of President Goodluck Ebele
Jonathan came into being in May 2011. At the
second year the administration considers it
appropriate to render an account of its activities
to the nation. This report therefore highlights the
achievements of this government in advancing the
rule of law, democracy and development in
Nigeria.
The rendering of this report is part of the process
this administration has put in place to entrench
accountable governance. This Administration
believes that without accountability, propaganda
will dominate the political space and therefore
blur the distinction between political campaign
and governance performance.
2
INTRODUCTION (CONT.)
Advancing Democracy
This report presents the verifiable performance index for the Jonathan
Administration. We make bold to say that in two years the government
has protected the rights of the citizens, promoted sustainable
development and guaranteed the integrity of state institutions.
Nigeria operates a system of presidential democracy. To properly assess
the democracy quotient of every model of governance, we need an
expansive concept of democracy. The definition of democracy by former
OAU Secretary-General, Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim, is very illuminating: In his
words:
“In essence, democratic governance refers to a political socioeconomic framework in which every individual and every community
becomes an equal member of society, and is provided with a space of
engagement in shaping the destiny of society”……
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INTRODUCTION (CONT.)
Advancing Democracy
He continued that: “It is a totality that encompasses the political, social
and economic domains in a mutually reinforcing and symbolic nature. It is
a dynamic process that is nurtured and enriched with the growth and
evolution of a society. I need to also point out in this regard that
democratic governance is not only a relationship within society. At this
second level, it underscores such virtues as tolerance, dialogue, and
understanding, social integration, gender equality, abidance to norms,
respect for fundamental rights, and adherence to the rule of law and
negation to corruption’’.
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INTRODUCTION (CONT.)
Advancing Democracy
After 13 years of unbroken democratic governance in Nigeria, there is
the need to bench mark our successes and challenges with a view to
making faster progress and also make amends where needed. This
revaluation will help to refocus our concept of democracy; reestablish the fundamentals and re-emphasize the need not only
to preserve democracy but to deepen it.
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JONATHAN’S MODEL OF LEADERSHIP
Advancing Democracy
Jonathan’s
Model
of Leadership
From the definition of
democracy above we can
distinguish between two
components of democracy, the
fundamentals of democracy and
the incidentals to democracy.
Fundamentals of democracy are
those elements that make up the
substance of democracy.
This report considers them to be
the pillars of democracy without
which the taste of democracy is
lost.
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JONATHAN’S MODEL OF LEADERSHIP
(CONT.)
Advancing Democracy
The fundamental (which include personal liberties, popular participation,
respect for the individuals’ rights, provision of equal opportunities,
majority rule and minority rights, etc) principles of democracy find
expression in basic human freedoms. Protection and enjoyment of these
freedoms guarantees human worth which inspires the confidence to not
only to aim at the optimum in life but also the agility to protest and
defend abuses of personal rights and social interest.
The incidentals to democracy are what in this clime popularly referred to
as democracy dividends, which in ordinary language means the good
products of democracy. It is important to emphasize that this product of
democracy can only be good if it is indeed, a product of free society with
popular participation. It must not only be verifiable, but also, subject to
accountable satisfaction of the populace.
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DEMOCRACY: JONATHAN’S MODEL OF
LEADERSHIP (CONT.) Advancing Democracy
The policy thrust of this
administration therefore is not
only to deliver
democracy
dividends but to make it good in
accordance with the best
principles of democracy. This
explains the emphasis on
consultation and dialogue,
process and procedure, clear
and need-driven projects conception, open and competitive procurement
process, equitable distribution of social amenities, diligent planning and
execution strategies, checks and balances, rule of law; and extensive
expansion of civil space together with respect for citizens’ right among
others.
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DEMOCRACY: JONATHAN’S MODEL OF
LEADERSHIP (CONT.) Advancing Democracy
We are quick to add that the process of democratization demands a lot of
restraints, patience and at times pains. We are proud to explain the Mr.
President’s uncommon restraint at the face of many challenges is a
manifestation of a great desire to deepen democratic culture in all aspects
of our national life.
The report in this chapter on Governance will give a summary account of
the Administration’s strides in advancing democratic culture with the
consequential delivery of good dividends under the following headings:
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EXPANDING CIVIC SPACE
Advancing Democracy
In the last two years, the
civic space has been
expanded for democracy
and civic participation.
We are convinced that
civic consciousness is a
lubricant to democracy.
This has given rise to
unprecedented growth in
the number of civil
society groups in Nigeria.
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EXPANDING CIVIC SPACE (CONT.)
Advancing Democracy
These groups are not only active in advocating for civil rights but
sometimes actually engage themselves into political activism. Such
examples include Save Nigeria Group, Occupy Nigeria, Corruption Watch
and others of whom take on Government at the slightest opportunity;
for example, was the involvement of Save Nigeria Group in the fuel
subsidy removal protests that was ab initio - a labour-led protest.
On Sept. 6th, 2012 Mr. President hosted Civil Society Organizations to a
Presidential Retreat. It was an open forum for members to express their
views before Mr. President on the on-going constitutional review and
other matters of interest. Over three hundred groups attended the
retreat, and voted on a number of national issues. This has never
happened before. It created a sense of participation in the constitutional
review process, therefore the willingness of the Federal Government to
give civil society a prime role was a pleasant one.
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EXPANDING CIVIC SPACE (CONT.)
Advancing Democracy
During this period under review, the Federal Government has conceded
to the demands of the people in a manner previously unprecedented.
Not only that, it has reversed some decisions based on the complaints
and suggestions of the people. Remarkably, trade disputes are now,
more than ever before, resolved through dialogue. Pro-poor and Gender
empowerment issues now take centre stage. Within the period, more
than ever before, we have witnessed more opportunities for both men
and women. There are presently 13 female ministers and 26 female
Special Advisers/SSAPs/SAPs playing critical and uncommon roles in the
Government.
Flowing from the above, we have recorded the following
outcomes:
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OUTCOME
Advancing Democracy
• A high sense of freedom has arisen
among the citizens.
• Citizens are now bolder and more
assertive,
• High sense of participation in issues of
governance has been awakened
among the citizens.
• Governance issues are now more freely
and openly discussed without any fear,
• Opposition parties and groups enjoy
total liberty, as a result they are now
more confident and stronger, thereby
making the political space more
competitive, democratic and reflective
of every shade of opinion.
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OUTCOME (CONT.)
Advancing Democracy
•
•
Citizens are more confident and freely resort to court in defense of
their rights, etc.
Press freedom has been entrenched and greatly expanded, with the
Nigeria Press being regarded by most people as the freest in Africa.
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ENTRENCHING CHECKS AND
Advancing Democracy
BALANCES
The essence of separation of powers is to ensure the balance of power
among the Executive, Legislative and the Judiciary. In a presidential
democracy like ours, the powers of each arm is enormous, more particularly
the powers of the executive. Our democratic history is dotted with black
spots where the exercise of certain powers by any of the arms of
government has frustrated progressive governance and indeed endangered
democracy.
For this reason, President Jonathan’s administration has committed to
ensuring stability of the system by strengthening the independence of each
arm of government, through non interference with affairs peculiar to them,
perfecting and diligently enhancing their fiscal independence, improving
consultation among them in matters of national interests, involving them
reasonably in executive actions and unprecedented avoidance of high
handedness among others. This has yielded some democracy dividend
within the three arms of Government.
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OUTCOME
At the Executive Arm
Advancing Democracy
•
•
•
•
•
Enhanced commitment to due process and rule of law
Total absence of disobedience to court process/judgments
A growing cordiality among the three arms of government.
Public interest takes preeminence
Dialogue and conciliation is fast gaining ground as the best way towards
national consensus
• The culture of consultation is fast becoming the norm
• Industrial stability as a result of a more hands-on approach to labour
issues etc.
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OUTCOME
At the Legislative Arm
Advancing Democracy
•
•
•
•
•
•
A more assertive legislative practice,
Stability in the leadership of the legislature,
Stable funding of legislative activities,
Enhanced oversight activities,
Enhanced public hearings on all matters of public interests,
More public confidence in the ability of the legislature to
intervene in matters arising from the exercise of executive
actions,
• More diligent legislative works and process
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OUTCOME
At the Judicial Arm
•
•
•
•
•
Advancing Democracy
Judicial activities have risen to greater prominence,
More assertive Judiciary,
Citizens are more confident in the Judiciary,
Greater acceptance of Judicial pronouncements as fair Justice
A more active Nigerian Judicial Council indicating more ability of
the Judiciary to discipline itself etc.
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ELECTORAL PROGRESS
Advancing Democracy
19
ELECTORAL PROGRESS (CONT.)
Advancing Democracy
The right to vote and be voted for has been described as the bastion of
democracy. For this right to be meaningful the citizens must have the
confidence that votes must count and the electoral process must be
credible enough to encourage citizens to present themselves for
election. The most critical aspiration of democracy is to secure for the
people the right to choose their government through a credible electoral
system.
President Jonathan on assumption of office as acting President
committed to execute to the letter, the electoral reforms which his
predecessor started. In addition to a holistic implementation of the
Justice Uwais Committee recommendations, President Jonathan
introduced the campaign for one man, one vote, one woman, one vote,
one girl, one vote and one boy, one vote.
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ELECTORAL PROGRESS (CONT.)
Advancing Democracy
He announced publicly that nobody should rig
election for him. In order to convince the
doubting Thomas’s who never believed that
that will be possible in Nigeria, he appointed
Prof. Attahiru Jega, a renowned unionist and
civil liberties advocate as the Chairman of
Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC). Furthermore, he declared to Nigerians
that he was appointing Professor Jega based on
the Professor’s reputation, and that he had
never met him.
Additionally,
the
Independent
National
Electoral Commission has enjoyed adequate
funding for their activities, unprecedented
autonomy and independence of actions.
21
ELECTORAL PROGRESS (CONT.)
Advancing Democracy
OUT COME
• The country witnessed the most credible elections in 2011
• Voters turn out dramatically improved as a result of citizen’s
confidence in the electoral system
• The international community acknowledged that the 2011 elections
were the freest and fairest in Nigerian history
• The electoral process has continued to improve since 2011; giving rise
to more and generally accepted electoral outcomes from INEC
conducted the gubernatorial elections in Kebbi and Ondo States in
2012; and Edo State in 2013. In the Ondo and Edo States, opposition
parties defeated the ruling party.
• More permanent electoral infrastructure are now being put in place
e.g. permanent voters cards and registers
• Better and diligent planning and execution of elections is now more
appreciated
• As a result of effective policing of elections, thuggery and ballot box
snatching has become almost extinct.
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ELECTORAL PROGRESS (CONT.)
Advancing Democracy
OUT COME
• INEC decisions are now being respected by all stakeholders in the
discharge of its regulatory role over political parties etc.
• Issue based campaigns and diligent commitment to the
consciousness that vote counts are beginning to bench mark our
political commitments
• As a regulator, INEC decisions are now being respected by all
political parties etc.
• Issue based campaigns and diligent commitment
to the
consciousness that vote counts are beginning to bench mark our
political commitments
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FEDERAL CHARACTER
Advancing Democracy
The principle of Federal Character in the management of public affairs
has become the strongest string that holds the nation together. This
became a critical issue during the 1978 Constituent Assembly
deliberations and was elevated as a major condition for the unity of the
nation. That conference recommended the institutionalization of the
Federal Character principles in the constitution. However, the then
military Government only provided for it as part of the fundamental
objective principle of state policy and went ahead to enact the Federal
Character Act to superintend the implementation of the principle in the
public service of the Federation.
Federal Character principle recognizes that the country is multi-ethnic
and greatly diverse in many ways and so necessary to give each section
a sense of belonging in Resource allocation and the distribution of
Federal positions in the public service of the Federation.
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FEDERAL CHARACTER (CONT)
Advancing Democracy
This diversity must be taken into account. It is expected that by so
doing ethnic domination or fears of same, which purportedly triggered
off national crises in the past will be avoided. It is also believed that the
diligent application of the principle will help all sections of the country
achieve parity in growth and development. On assumption of office, it
was discovered that many agitation and cries of marginalization have
arisen as a result of disregard to the Federal Character principle in most
federal appointments and project allocations. It was also discovered
that these among others have contributed to budgeting turbulence in
the National Assembly.
Consequently, the latest appointments to major federal positions have
been carefully carried out to correct outstanding imbalances. This has
not been easy and has led to delays in filling certain vacant positions as
efforts are made to weigh in the balance such decisions.
25
FEDERAL CHARACTER (CONT)
Advancing Democracy
Our efforts in the last two years have yielded some result but much is
yet to be achieved.
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SUMMARY OF APPOINTEES PER STATE
Advancing Democracy
S/No.
State
No. of Appointee
1
Abia
16
2
Adamawa
20
3
Akwa Ibom
12
4
Anambra
25
5
Bauchi
14
6
Bayelsa
17
7
Benue
19
8
Borno
14
9
Cross River
11
10
Delta
27
11
Ebonyi
6
12
Edo
23
13
Ekiti
10
14
Enugu
13
27
SUMMARY OF APPOINTEES PER STATE
Advancing Democracy
15
FCT
4
16
Gombe
13
17
Imo
20
18
Jigawa
9
19
Kaduna
21
20
Kano
20
21
Katsina
21
22
Kebbi
14
23
Kogi
26
24
Kwara
22
25
Lagos
8
26
Nassarawa
10
27
Niger
11
28
Ogun
22
29
Ondo
14
28
SUMMARY OF APPOINTEES PER STATE
Advancing Democracy
30
Osun
24
31
Oyo
10
32
Plateau
12
33
Rivers
16
34
Sokoto
7
35
Taraba
6
36
Yobe
9
37
Zamfara
5
Grand Total
551
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SUMMARY OF APPOINTEES PER STATE
Advancing Democracy
Also in the allocation of federal projects, this administration met gross
imbalance. However, the determination to give each geo-political zone
a sense of belonging has been the driving force behind the efforts in
the last two years. In striving to achieve parity, consideration is paid to
peculiar needs of each zone.
OUTCOME
• Confidence is building in each geo-political zone that it does not
matter where the President comes from, that adherence to the rule
of law and the principle of federal character guarantees sense of
belonging.
• Zones that had felt marginalized in the past now have a greater
sense of belonging.
• There is more awareness that Governments can be held
accountable if they subvert the Federal Character principle.
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CORRUPTION
Advancing Democracy
This Government wholly asserts that Corruption is unacceptable and
should be shunned because of its negative effects on our socioeconomic development. There have been several efforts to curb
corruption in the past. However, we have discovered that the usual
emphasis on the “hunter’s approach”, has secured very limited results.
This Administration decided to follow a deliberate strategy with the
following components:31
CORRUPTION (CONT.)
Advancing Democracy
• eliminate as practicable as possible, all opportunities for Corruption by:
improving Process, Transparency, and Accountability in government
procurement. Equally significant is the increasing emphasis on Public Private
Partnership approach as a way of reducing opportunities for corrupt practice.
• Improvement on Investigation and Prosecution mechanisms by: strengthening all anti-corruption agencies through training, better funding
and non interference in their activities.
• Collaboration among the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary to
accelerate the dispensation of justice especially in cases involving corruption.
In cases like Fuel Subsidy probe and Pension Funds probe the Federal
Government built on the initial reports from the Legislature and moved
aggressively to expose and prosecute those found culpable. The effort is
ongoing and we will not stop until culpable individuals or groups are brought
to book.
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CORRUPTION (CONT.)
Advancing Democracy
• Improving funding and capacity building to ensure independence of
the Judiciary and inspire confidence in all law enforcement agencies.
This has led to a judiciary that now demands the highest level of
integrity from judges especially as regards those handling high-profile
public-interest cases. In recent times there has been severe
punishment for those found wanting.
• Enhancement of complimentarity among the Anti -corruption
agencies i.e. ICPC, EFCC and Code of Conduct Bureau. This has
enhanced information sharing and reduction in duplication of efforts
in dealing with any particular matter.
• A more assertive National Assembly in discharging its oversight
functions especially in investigations and public hearing on wide range
of cases.
• The Freedom of Information Act is in place and can be used as an
effective check against the abuse of power.
33
CORRUPTION (CONT.)
Advancing Democracy
• The increasing use of e-platforms for government business is mean to
promote efficiency and eliminate choke points that service corruption
in government. The use of electronic purse for distribution of fertilizer
is a radical change from the inefficient middle-man dominated
methods of the past.
OUTCOME:
• A more strategic and institutional fight against corruption by using
improved systems and processes had resulted in greater service
delivery to the people and value for money for government
expenditure,
• The improvement in our economic outlook is partially as a result of the
easing of bottlenecks and reduction of corrupt practices in
governance.
34
CORRUPTION (CONT.)
Advancing Democracy
• Nigerians can expect a steady improvement in the national and
international perception of Nigeria on issues of corruption,
• A more rules-driven fight against corruption.
• It has become clear to many that no matter how long it takes that
offenders will face the music,
• Reported incidents of corruption are on the decline.
35
SECURITY
Advancing Democracy
Government accepts that security of
life and property of the citizen is its
primary obligation and an essential
condition for sustaining our national
development. That is why this
administration has been firm in its
approach to the key security
challenges of the nation. It is therefore
heart-warming that we have diligently
proceeded
with
the
Amnesty
Programme. It is a reasonable success
and as a result, the Niger Delta Region
is reasonably calm save for the
occasional flashes that one expects
after more than a decade of crisis.
36
SECURITY (CONT.)
Advancing Democracy
In South West and some parts of the North, the security situation has been
stable because of success of the following strategies:• Improved training, equipping and motivation of the security forces.
• Swift and decisive deployment of operatives and personnel to trouble
spots.
• Better policing and information gathering.
• Heightened public awareness and co-operation especially for
intelligence gathering and communal vigilance.
However, the situation in some other parts of the country was
unprecedented. We experienced a wave of kidnapping and terror that no
Nigerian could have contemplated some few years ago. The training and
orientation of most of our agencies had being to defend the integrity of the
nation from external threats and unpatriotic elements.
37
SECURITY (CONT.)
Advancing Democracy
No one had ever budgeted for suicidal and anti social acts like kidnapping
which was totally unknown to our valued system, our cultures and
worldview. Indeed, when for instance it was first said that a Nigerian was
involved in a plot to bomb a US-bound aircraft on Christmas Day 2009,
Nigerians were in total shock and outrage.
The new reality is that some misguided ones amongst us are in league with
foreign mercenaries to commit acts of terror while others are driven by
greed to the abominable acts of kidnapping and other acts of banditry.
• This requires that Government redesigns the entire security architecture
and the orientation and training of its operators. In the interim we have
had to bring in the military more and more into internal operations. This
has produced very noticeable results in Aba and other parts of the South
East zone. In doing this, we have taken utmost care to ensure that the
rights of innocents citizens are always protected.
38
SECURITY (CONT.)
Advancing Democracy
• In the north, no one ever
imagined that some misguided
elements would join hands with
mercenaries and take up arms
against the nation. For months,
the Government, leaders, elders
and all people of goodwill have
pleaded with these elements and
their instigators to see reason.
Even as I speak, the door remains
open for any peaceful and
honourable method to disarm,
and re-orientate and rehabilitate
this group.
39
SECURITY (CONT.)
Advancing Democracy
We are therefore faced with their persistent carnage against fellow
Nigerians, the continuing dislocation of the lives of other citizens and
treasonable threats to the territorial integrity of the nation.
Government has had to reinforce the security personnel of the Joint Task
Force in areas under the threat of these hardened elements. We
ultimately, declared State of Emergency in three States in the North-East
of Nigeria. This act was in response to brazen challenges of the authority
of state and in order to protect lives and property of Nigerians, as well as
the territorial integrity of the country, Government has continued to
protect the rights of all abiding citizens in these areas and is gratified by
the wide support its actions have received at home and from abroad.
40
SECURITY (CONT.)
Advancing Democracy
• The Amnesty Programme is working and the Niger Delta is relatively
calm.
• Kidnapping has drastically reduced in affected parts the South East
and South South zones, places like Aba and others have returned to
normalcy.
• The Civil populace are once again secure
• Civil rights are protected and respected; and when they are infringed
upon, it is promptly addressed.
• Insurgency is being contained, and will soon be a thing of the past.
41
CONCLUSION:
Advancing Democracy
President Jonathan’s leadership style is not just
about symbolism. It is about substance. As the
report shows this government in two years has
established a sustainable framework for
economic development. Its fiscal and monetary
policies have incentivized the private sector to
invest in the critical infrastructure that will help
grow the economy and increase household
income. The President is rebuilding the political,
social and economic infrastructure of the
nation. He has sustained faith in democracy and
therefore, secured the future of democracy in
Nigeria. He has repaired the broken bridges and
indeed is the face of hope, for a Nigeria that is
stable, prosperous and peaceful.
42