Former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has argued that democracy remains preferable to military rule, insisting that even a poorly performing elected government offers citizens greater freedoms and opportunities to demand accountability.
Osinbajo made the assertion on Tuesday during the 59th birthday celebration of Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri at the Government House Banquet Hall in Yola.
He maintained that democratic governance gives citizens the opportunity to exercise their rights, form lawful associations and hold public officials accountable.
“No matter how bad a democratically elected government is, it is still far better than the best military regime,” the former vice-president said.
He added that democracy remained the most suitable system of government because it allows citizens, regardless of their economic circumstances, to demand transparency and participate in public affairs.
Turning to the judiciary, Osinbajo urged judges to prioritise the welfare and rights of citizens, warning that weak institutions could undermine democratic governance.
“When the foundations of institutions are weak, democracy will also be weak, because those institutions are the foundation of democracy,” he stated.
The former vice-president also called for government policies that place citizens’ welfare at the centre of decision-making, noting that people were more likely to support programmes when they experienced tangible benefits.
On the fight against corruption, Osinbajo advocated a practical approach, alongside stronger public engagement on social protection initiatives.
Reflecting on his time in office, he disclosed that the administration had allocated N500 billion to social intervention programmes, including school feeding and concessional loans for small businesses.
He said the initiatives were implemented successfully and produced positive outcomes.
Osinbajo stressed that government policies must improve the lives of people in rural communities and among low-income groups to secure public confidence.
The former vice-president also praised Fintiri for his performance in infrastructure development and efforts to restore peace in Adamawa State.
He described the creation of additional chiefdoms in the state as a strategy to strengthen peace and bring governance closer to rural residents.
Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas, who also spoke at the event, commended Fintiri for the development of Yola and improvements to its infrastructure.
Kefas further noted that Fintiri had received infrastructure-related recognition under two different Federal Government administrations.
Fintiri and his wife, Lami, who marked her 50th birthday on the same day, expressed appreciation to guests who joined them for the celebration.
Several dignitaries attended the event, including Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum.
