From Joseph Adahnu, Yola
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has urged African governments, to renew their social contract with citizens, stressing that democracy must deliver real improvements in people’s lives beyond periodic elections.
Osinbajo made the call on Tuesday, while delivering a public lecture to mark the 59th birthday of Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Yola.
He warned that the growing gap between citizens’ expectations and the actual performance of democratic governments is steadily eroding public confidence in democratic institutions.
Citing survey data, the former Vice President noted that while 64 per cent of Africans still prefer democracy to other systems of government, only 38 per cent are satisfied with how it functions in their countries. He linked the dissatisfaction to the widespread perception that governments primarily serve the interests of the wealthy rather than the majority.
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Osinbajo identified rapid population growth, climate change and the rise of artificial intelligence as major challenges that will test democracy’s ability to deliver shared prosperity. He urged leaders to adopt people-centred governance that prioritises the welfare of the poorest citizens, cautioning that failure to meet public expectations risks further weakening democratic support, especially among young people.
In his remarks, Governor Fintiri, highlighted the infrastructure progress recorded by his administration despite limited resources. He also announced plans to establish the Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri Foundation, after leaving office to provide scholarships, support vulnerable persons and promote unity among Adamawa’s over 80 ethnic groups.
Fintiri described the occasion as an opportunity to reflect on his leadership journey, recalling a 2019 conversation with Osinbajo, then Vice President, which challenged him to address Yola’s infrastructure deficits, particularly the need for flyovers to ease traffic congestion.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Ibrahim Barau Jibrin, identified poor communication between government and citizens as a major obstacle to effective democratic governance. He observed that frequent use of technical language in explaining policies often leaves ordinary citizens unable to understand government interventions and how they impact 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), lauded Fintiri’s leadership, infrastructure achievements and commitment to peace and development. They stressed the importance of electing competent leaders and wished him continued good health and wisdom.
As part of activities marking the birthday, Governor Fintiri donated over N50 million to settle medical bills of indigent patients at two major hospitals in Yola, underscoring his commitment to supporting vulnerable citizens and easing the burden of healthcare costs.
