Political Scientists Caution Nigerian Leaders On Use Of Western Ideas

The Nigeria Political Scientists Association (NPSA) has said the tremendous belief in Western economic prescriptions is worsening the domestic conditions and making the country lose international mileage.

The association made this observation in a communique issued at the end of its second online conference.

The communique which was signed by the NPSA national president, Prof. Hassan Saliu, said the conference featured keynote speakers: Professors OBC Nwankwo and Musa Abutudu, as well as lead paper presentations by Professors Eme Ekekwe and Femi Mimiko.

It added that the opening session was chaired by the Nigeria’s immediate past ambassador to the United Nations, Prof. Muhammed Tijjani Bande.

The NPSA advised the Nigerian leaders to exercise caution when embracing Western economic solutions and urged them to prioritise citizen empowerment over selfish interests.

It also emphasised the need for the nation’s leaders to “recalibrate anti-corruption efforts to free resources for development.”

It urged the government to  assess the suitability of liberal democracy for Nigeria and as well  re-examine the human dimension of democracy to make it more relevant and appreciated by Nigerians.

On the need to strengthen the nation’s democratic institutions, NPSA harped on adherence to the principles and rules establishing democratic institutions.

It stressed the need for the government to make the nation ‘s electoral processes more transparent to ensure electoral integrity, adding that, “all arms of government should prioritise Nigerians’ yearnings for rapid development.”

On fiscal prudence, the association urged government to, “curb wastefulness in government circles and focus on addressing the needs of the people.”

“Government must confront insecurity to enhance production and stability,implement people-oriented interventions to reduce the high cost of living and improve democracy’s image and  check corrupt tendencies in social intervention programmes by applying appropriate sanctions.

“Government should review foreign policy to promote independence and assertiveness, encourage political actors to prioritise resource allocation to productive sectors and recognise the dangers of debt accumulation and its potential to divert resources from productive activities” it added.