Date: 2015-04-23

Although the federal government leadership is changing on May 29, Governors of states like Kwara, Oyo, Nasarawa, and Borno were re-elected by the people. Even though some analysts think second term is for leaders to feather their nests through corrupt acts since they won't be coming back again, others believe the second period allows the re-elected leaders to build on their previous achievements and complete pending development projects for the good of the citizens. To you, which is the case? Does continuity ensure good governance?

By ABIMBOLA AKOSILE

* Although continuity does not automatically guarantee or ensure good governance, but for a meaningful achievement in this jet age, four-year term has been grossly too short for the enormous and vital tasks on ground; hence the obvious relevance of genuine continuity. Most often incoming new administrators prefer to front a new agenda they believe in rather than popularise the previous government no matter how well they have performed. To avoid waste of finance, time, energy, human resources e.t.c and even omnibus white elephant projects littered nationwide, continuity is the true solution.

- Mr. Apeji Onesi, Lagos

* Most times, reality shows that continuity enriches the pockets of those clamouring for it.

- Miss Nkeiruka Abanna, Lagos * The answer is automatic No, but that is not to say that a second term public servant returns to loot the treasure. On a serious note, it should be a period of face mending and correcting what was not achieved in the first term. Finally, with time, all that will change, and by the time good leadership take foothold in Nigeria, issues of this nature will no longer be debatable.

- Mr. Okechukwu Ikonne, Ogbor Aboh Mbaise LGA, Imo State

* Continuity does not guarantee good governance as most elected leaders in their second term always perform below expectations believing that it is an opportunity for them to gather from the treasury for themselves and their families.

- Mr. Ojogbede Kriskenny, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja

* Continuity works in leadership when the sitting leader is doing well in governance to complete the works started. If there is any shortage of progress, power must change hands for development as Nigerians are set to see government of Buhari coming in to correct mistakes made by outgoing government of GEJ.

- Mr. Gordon Chika Nnorom, Public Commentator, Umukabia, Abia State

* It is very wrong to assume that continuity automatically ensures good governance. It is not how long one stays in an office that matters, can people attest that he performed above or below standard in terms of health, roads, security, Boko Haram, employment, electricity, education, agriculture e.t.c. It is the performance of the first tenure that, if done well, might determine continuity. Otherwise, if it is imposition, you will hear money changing hands at polling units, malfunctioning of card reader, which are windows created for massive rigging.

- Mr. Dogo Stephen, Kaduna

* Continuity is an opportunistic process corrupt public office holders or and seekers passionately hunt for. It breeds bad blood, looting, revenge, desperation, recklessness, avarice, hate, witch-hunting and such negativity. Many citizens with genuine passion to serve are deprived by hold-tight leaders truncating democracy unwisely. Regular change is normal, constant and vital to avoid stagnancy.

- Miss Apeji Patience Eneyeme, Badagry, Lagos

* Yes, possibly in some developed countries but not in places like Nigeria or under-developed countries mostly in Africa. Continuity in these countries only means to empower and enrich those close to you. We all have our gifts. Change is a must if we are to enjoy development.

- Hon. Maiungwa Babale, U/Romi, Kaduna

* My preference would be yes, continuity can ensure good governance, since that would give the existing administration additional time to complete all pending projects and make good on electoral promises made from the onset. This, however, does not rule out the average ruling official's penchant to make himself or herself 'comfortable' for life after public office. The hope is that the incoming government would set a standard in de-emphasising corrupt enrichment for public office holders with severe penalties meted out to errant officials. Nigeria needs selfless, sincere, servant-leaders to help her get out of the current socio-economic quagmire.

- Mr. Abimbola Akosile, THISDAY Newspapers, Apapa, Lagos

* To me the three areas which the incoming government could consider are agriculture and rural development; Healthcare, and Tourism. For agriculture and rural development - draw up a 'Green Plan' for agriculture and food security extracted from Nigeria's Agricultural Master-plan with focus on engaging women and youth in production of food crops, horticultural items, fisheries and dairy. Teach post harvest technologies to reduce losses and minimise wastage. Use irrigation facilities for all year farming. Establish Agro-poles in the six geopolitical zones for pilot projects to be translated later into programmes for implementation at Local Government level. Encourage value addition along the value chain. Determine benchmarks for short, medium and long term strategies which are measurable for monitoring and reporting. Initiate Research and Development for improved inputs on Colleges and Universities of Agriculture.

For healthcare: Revisit the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) 2014 Health Summit Outputs and Communique for immediate implementation. The areas of focus and intervention had been clearly spelt out. The health inclusiveness of the rural areas would take care of the health needs of the rural poor. A healthy populace would provide a healthy workforce for agriculture, manufacturing and other sectors.

On tourism - this sector needs attention in the wake of the crash of OIL PRICES globally. It would help tap into the 'untapped resource'. Initiate preparation of GIS maps to provide total mapping of rural tourism attractions. Arrange training through the Institutions under the Tourism Board for Tour operators with the active involvement of Consultants and Foreign Experts that can be sourced. Encourage Nigerians to spend time in leisure within the country. Activities in this direction would create jobs for actors along the value chain. With well developed itineraries we could lure foreigners on rural areas to see. Also encourage learning of French and Arabic by tour and encourage teaching of these languages in secondary schools. By so doing your operators would be able to accommodate the spectrum of foreign visitors. English language is presently widely spoken in Nigeria.

- Mr. Olusola Abiodun Kayode, Former Representative of Nigeria to UNIDO-France/Consultant, Abuja

THE RESPONSE

Yes, it does: 3

No, it doesn't: 5

Others: 2

Radical tip: Change is vital!

Total no of respondents: 10

Male: 8

Female: 2

Highest location: Lagos (4)