AS the complaints of non performance by political holders at the third tier of government continues to generate debates across the country, Nigerians have been tasked to hold leaders at the local government levels for non performance just as they were advised to insist on voting the right people rather than the practice of “imposition and selection” by the ruling political parties in the states.

This issue generated debate among participants at the 3rd Onaivi Mozai Memorial Lecture (OMML), held in Igarra, headquarters of Akoko-Edo local government council in Edo state where participants, however, agreed that the country was on the right track to good governance since 1999 but added that the leaders needed to do more to curb corruption.

Delivering a paper on Good governance: Is Nigeria on the right track? Former Executive Director, Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Abdul Oroh said there was need for accountability by political office holders and this he said must be demanded by the governed.

“Our failure to enthrone good governance can only be overcome if we campaign vigorously, act effectively to demand and insist on accountability.

“Accountability can be vertical (to the voters at the ballot box) and horizontal (to other institutions within the government to monitor, unravel and punish wrong doing - the courts, EFCC and the police.

“After 12 years and three Presidents, have we achieved what can, by any measure, we shall call democracy which is a necessary condition for good governance? Looking back at the last twelve years can we say that we have democratic process that can stimulate further democratisation, by strengthening freedom, contestation, political participation and debate?

“In my life time I have had the privilege and honour of working as a journalist, a social activist and a human rights campaigner. I have monitored elections and I have contested elections. I have served at parliament at the federal level and as a state commissioner. With the benefit of my experience I make bold to say that change can come to Nigeria. There is corruption in all countries, America, Britain, India, Brazil, China, among others. Corruption is a universal problem and different tools must be applied in tackling it.”

Setting the tone for discussion, chairman of the occasion, Tallest Amune said it was still surprising to many Nigerians why politicians were scared of convoking a national conference as being demanded adding that various town hall meetings so far held on constitution review were yet to get universal acceptance by they because Nigerians still doubt the sincerity of representation of most of them.

Amune, an economist also queried the lack of political will to prosecute corrupt public office holders by the judiciary. “We breathed a sigh of relief in this country in the wake of landmark judicial pronouncements in electioneering cases particularly against the ruling party. In sharp contrast, we have seen our leaders escaping the wrath of law in glaring cases of corruption, brazen embezzlements, flagrant abuse if power and total disregard to the rule of law”