The connection between good governance and democratization experiments in Nigeria, using the case study of the Fourth Republic politics

Elements. Good governance comprises the existence of effective mechanisms, processes and institutions through which citizens and groups articulate their interests, exercise their legal rights, meet their obligations and mediate their differences. Its essential characteristics are:

(a) Participation. All men and women should have a voice in decision-making, either directly or through legitimate intermediate institutions that represent their interests. Such broad participation is built on freedom of association and speech, as well as on the capacity to participate constructively.

(b) Rule of law. Legal frameworks should be fair and enforced impartially, particularly the laws on human rights.

(c) Transparency. This concept is built on the free flow of information. Processes, institutions and information should be directly accessible to those concerned, and enough information should be provided to render them understandable and monitorable.

(d) Responsiveness. Institutions and processes should serve all stakeholders.

(e) Consensus orientation. Good governance should mediate differing interests in order to reach broad consensus on the best interests of the group and, where possible, on policies and procedures.

(f) Equity. All men and women should have equal opportunity to maintain or improve their well-being.

(g) Effectiveness and efficiency. Processes and institutions should produce results that meet needs while making the best use of resources.

(h) Accountability. Decision-makers in government, the private sector and civil-society organizations should be accountable to the public as well as to institutional stakeholders. This accountability differs depending on the organization and whether the decision is internal or external to an organization.

(i) Strategic vision. Leaders and the public should have a broad and long-term perspective on good governance and human development, together with a sense of what is needed for such development. There should also be an understanding of the historical, cultural and social complexities in which that perspective is grounded.