From Joseph Asegba, Yola
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has called on African governments to renew their social contract with citizens, stressing that democracy must deliver tangible improvements in people’s lives beyond periodic elections.
Osinbajo made the call on Tuesday while delivering a public lecture at the 59th birthday celebration of Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri at the Banquet House in Yola.
He warned that the growing gap between citizens’ expectations and the actual performance of democratic governments was steadily eroding public confidence in democratic institutions.
Citing survey data, the former vice president noted that while 64 per cent of Africans still preferred democracy to other systems of government, only 38 per cent were satisfied with how it functioned in their countries.
He linked the dissatisfaction partly to the widespread perception that governments primarily served the interests of the wealthy rather than the majority of citizens.
Osinbajo identified rapid population growth, climate change and the rise of artificial intelligence as major challenges that would test democracy’s ability to deliver shared prosperity.
He urged leaders to adopt people-centred governance that prioritises the welfare of the poorest citizens, warning that failure to meet public expectations could further weaken support for democracy, particularly among young people.
In his remarks, Governor Fintiri highlighted the infrastructure development projects his administration had undertaken despite limited resources.
He also announced plans to establish the Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri Foundation after leaving office.
According to him, the foundation would provide scholarships, support vulnerable people and promote unity among Adamawa State’s more than 80 ethnic groups.
Fintiri described the occasion as an opportunity to reflect on his leadership journey.
He recalled a conversation with Osinbajo in 2019, when the latter was vice president, which challenged him to address Yola’s infrastructure deficits, particularly the absence of flyovers needed to ease traffic congestion.
Deputy Senate President Ibrahim Barau Jibrin identified poor communication between governments and citizens as a major obstacle to effective democratic governance.
He observed that the frequent use of technical language to explain government policies often made it difficult for ordinary citizens to understand public interventions and how they could improve their lives.
In goodwill messages, the Northern Governors’ Forum, the Adamawa State Council of Emirs and Chiefs, religious leaders, and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) commended Fintiri’s leadership, infrastructure projects, and commitment to peace and development.
They emphasised the importance of electing competent leaders and wished him continued good health and wisdom.
As part of the birthday activities, Governor Fintiri donated more than ₦50 million towards settling the medical bills of indigent patients at two major hospitals in Yola.
The gesture was presented as part of efforts to support vulnerable citizens and ease the financial burden of accessing healthcare.