Title:
THE DILEMMA OF DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA: INSTITUTIONAL REFORM AS RECIPE OF PEACE

Authors:
Dr, Vincent Alaba Esan, Nigeria

Abstract:
Rather than being influenced by its pursuit of reforming the various institutions and agencies towards attainment of sustainable democratic governance, Nigerian leaders engage in militarizing the civil society and introduce all kinds of palliative measures in order to divert attention of the citizenry from daily hardship and insecurity prevalent in the country. The study examines the dilemma of Nigeria’s leadership in policy projections in the nation for promoting good governance that will enhance adequate service delivery in all sectors. Further, the study evaluates the constitutional impact in view of achieving ideal objectives of both government and the governed that will holistically result to sustainable democratic development in Nigeria. In this paper, structural conflict theory was used to explain causes of failed institutional reform and synergy between the theory and the themes of the study. The study relies on secondary sources of data, includes publications, journals, textbooks and internet materials on the studied subject. Data were analysed using descriptive method and content discussion. The study observed that lacks of political will, sectionalism, weak constitution and compliance, bureaucratic-bottlenecks among others inhibit policy reforms towards good governance in Nigeria. It concluded that strict adherence to constitution is the bane of good governance and democratic sustainability in Nigeria.