Make Peoples’ prevailing concerns central in govt programming – Don urges FG

***calls for people-centred policies to address trust deficits

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.

President, Nigeria Political Science Association Professor Hassan A. Saliu,has called on the Federal Government to evolve people-centered policies and make the prevailing concerns in the country central in its programming.

Prof. Saliu of the Department of Political Science, University of Ilorin who made the call during a Public Lecture at the birthday celebration of Professor Salisu Usman Ugbo and unveiling of a Sickle Cell Foundation on Sunday in Lokoja.

The Professor of Political Science described the widening gap between government and citizens at all levels as a cancerous disease requiring urgent cure from both government and citizens.

In the Public Lecture titled: Towards Promoting a Robust Government-Citizens Relationship in Nigeria, Prof. Saliu said the widening gulf was retarding national development and advancement of the country.

He said that the issue was one of the topical issue concerning Nigerians saying that the polity had failed to appreciate the fact that difficulties in mobilizing people for national goals stem from the disjointed government-citizen relationship.

“Citizens no longer exhibit past values of bonding with governments. Nigerians see governments as alien or evil, irrelevant to their daily lives amidst spiraling costs.

“Governments view citizens as enemies, not the greatest resource for development. I argue that democracy’s disappointment in Nigeria stems from the growing gap between citizens and government.

“The Federal Government’s situation is relatively better, but state administrations and Local Government Councils (LGCs) have alarming disconnections. This undermines democracy’s success, reliant on active citizen support.

“Democracy is conversational; blurred communication between people and government hinders progress. Nigerians’ skepticism frustrates national efforts. The war against terrorism exemplifies this.

“Despite claims of subduing terrorists, threats persist due to government-citizen disjoint. Citizens remain aloof or aid tormentors.

“Low electoral participation also illustrates this disconnect. Citizens’ apathy stems from trust deficits incubated in poor government-citizen relations.

“Secessionist agitators’ stubbornness can be attributed to lost faith in Nigeria, fueled by poor relations. This instability transmits negative signals internationally”, he pointed out.

On the birthday, the Executive Governor of Kogi state, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, congratulated Prof. Ogbo Usman saying “Today is a remarkable day of celebration as we rejoice with you.

“Prof. Ogbo Usman, indeed you are a great blessing to Kogi state and the people. May the good Lord grant you peace, wisdom and blessings in abundance. I wish you many more years of celebrations”.

The Governor who was represented by Speaker of Kogi House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, said that the grandeur of the birthday ceremony was “a clear indication of your mark of excellence and most distinguished Professor in your field.”

The father of the day, Atta Igala, HRM Dr Mathew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche-Akpa CFR, described Prof. Ogbo Usman as a dependable son and brother whose enduring contributions have solidified his position as Rector and strong pillar in the growth and progress of Kogi State.

He asserted that Prof. Ogbo Usman, is acknowledged as a relentless administrator and philanthropist, leaving an indelible mark through his generosity and benevolence

The President, Kogi State council of Traditional Rulers noted that these qualities have become synonymous with his engagement in both public and private spheres.

Responding, Prof. Usman however thanked the state Governor Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo and other top government officials for gracing his Birthday Celebration and flag-off of his foundation.

“I acknowledged God for the gift of life, God’s mercy has allowed me to witness yet another year, even as many of my peers have long departed, but God’s grace has kept me alive.” (Ends)