If there is anything that Nigerian electorates are not doing in the area of politics, it is that of not challenging or holding their elective representatives accountable, especially on campaign promises. The somewhat laxity on the part of the electorates, and which inexorably is their constitutional rights to hold their elected politicians accountable, has remained their Achilles’ heel.
In fact, in as much as it is not an exaggeration to opine that it is ignominious for politicians to make promises during election campaigns only to jettison them when elected, it is not ignoble to insist that every Nigerian, including this writer, has the constitutional rights to hold an elected politician; being he or she a president or a local government chairman accountable for not fulfilling campaign promises.
Without doubt, the need for the electorate to hold elected politicians to account cannot be farfetched as they are under obligation to serve the people, and expected to be not only accountably but transparently in service as democracy is much more than holding elections, and therefore, the people should hold politicians accountable on their campaign promises.
Given the foregoing, it is expected that the people begin to monitor constituency projects attracted to their constituencies by their representatives in the legislature as the job of monitoring projects is not just for the committees. Against the foregoing backdrop, it is not out of place to urge everyone to join hands to monitor and report back on projects attracted to his or her constituency. In fact, vigilance and co-monitoring of projects by beneficiary communities are indispensable in order to check the malaise of abandoned and poorly executed projects, and to remind politicians of yet to be fulfilled campaign promises.
Against the foregoing backdrop, permit this writer to recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a president-elect, on March 29, 2023, pledged to fulfill the promises he made to Nigerians before the presidential election.
In his message to Nigerians on his 71st birthday, Tinubu said his campaign promises were not mere words but pledges he is committed to fulfilling them. In fact, it will be recalled that while thanking Nigerians for voting for him by giving him the honor of a lifetime, he noted that he will not squander the opportunity or take it lightly.
“Dear Nigerians, I thank all of you who have expressed your goodwill towards me on the occasion of my 71st birthday. I received your kind words with great pleasure and was profoundly touched by the depth of your care and support. Above all, I thank God Almighty for the life He has given me, for all the opportunities and doors He has opened to me along the way.
“This year, in particular, I see this day as one of deep reflection. The spiritual meaning and significance of the holy month of Ramadan matter to me much more than the celebration of any individual milestone. Yet, this is my first birthday as the President-elect. A few weeks back, Nigerians gave me the honor of a lifetime. In exactly two months, on the 29th of May my term in office will begin. It is a rare privilege indeed, and one that I do not take lightly and shall not squander.
“With such a privilege already granted to me, I will not go so far as to suggest I am due any birthday presents this year. I have already been given the greatest gift. A chance to lead and fulfil destiny. An opportunity to champion your aspirations and to bring about the Nigeria of your dreams.
“I will, instead, use this day as an opportunity to reiterate my commitment to the great and important task of rebuilding our nation and renewing the hope of the Nigerian people. I campaigned hard and made important promises. Those promises were not mere words; professed glibly or cynically to win support.
“They represent a bond that binds me to the task of creating a better Nigeria for the benefit of every Nigerian, whether you voted for me or not. I have prepared for this moment all my life, I will not fail. Henceforth, may growth, hope, peace and compassion stand proudly and ring loudly throughout the land. May we find the right way and the good courage to turn our beloved country into a strong, just and prosperous home for all. May Almighty God bless all Nigerians,” he said.
At this juncture, it is germane to remind any reader that might be averse to this piece that the writer as a journalist is affiliated to a profession that is globally charged with the responsibility of holding leaders to account.
Given the foregoing apologetic view, it is expedient to opine that Journalists’ involvement in fostering accountability is undeniably about the purpose of good journalism, which is building a society in which the powerful are accountable to the public, where relevant information is shared and explained, where there is space for democratic initiative and where citizens can exchange opinions.
