Democracy and Economic Development in Nigeria. The Beneue Experience Since 1999

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue VII, July 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

Democracy and Economic Development in Nigeria. The Beneue Experience Since 1999

Bemshima Saka¹, Fatima Abubakar Katcha², Muhammad Abdullahi^3
1Department of Personnel Administration Makurdi Local Government Council, Makurdi Benue State
²Department of Political Science Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai
³Department of Political Science Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State.

Abstract: The paper examined the extent to which democracy has been able to enhance the socio economic and political development of the people in Benue State and Nigeria at large. Methodologically, the paper used secondary sources of data through critical review of literature and adopted elite theory as a framework of analysis. The paper argued that the problem of development in Nigeria has much to do with the crisis of the state itself. This is a state that is characterized by poor leadership, bad governance, weak institutions and fragile economic foundation. The paper therefore recommended that democratic institutions in Nigeria needs to be strengthened to enable them act and work in cooperation to bring about good governance which herald development. By so doing, the tenets of democracy such as freedom of expression, respect for the rule of law and social justice which are the cardinal principles that govern a true democratic state will be adhered to. More so, political parties should set in motion mechanism that would ensure that only those with clean political dossier who are intellectually sound and capable of delivery the desired development when finally voted into power that should be their flag bearers. More importantly, god fatherism should be jettisoned in Nigeria and Benue political equation such that only those with clear vision and mission find their way into governance. This will no doubt discourage attempt by political heavy weight to insist on unpopular candidate during elections.

Keywords: Benue State, Democracy, Economic development, Leadership, Politics

I. INTRODUCTION

Democracy is adjudged the best form of government all over the world. This is because it is premised on the participatory opportunity it affords the citizenry in the selection and election of their leaders and representatives. It is this fundamental reason that provides the people with the needed development which cannot be attained individually. Scholars such as Siegle (2006), Molutsi (n.d) and Udoms and Atakpa (2017) have argued that the essence of participatory democracy is its ability to provide ample opportunity for countries targeting economic growth and development. This is because democracy plays a very important and crucial role in promoting good governance and fostering economic development. Economic development of a country can therefore be linked to the nature of democratic practice in operational.
Its origin is traceable to the ancient Greek city state where political franchise was the first property of the citizens as they had the obligation to discuss public issues (Rosen &

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