Continuity without quality not success – Saraki

Former Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki yesterday said Nigeria’s democratic survival alone is not a measure of success, warning that continuity without quality is meaningless if it fails to deliver tangible benefits for citizens.

Saraki said the country’s democratic journey since 1999 has been resilient but tested, describing the Fourth Republic as “tested, strained, but not broken.”

“Democratic continuity without quality is not success. We must ask ourselves, with candour and courage: what is working, what is failing, and what must change?” he said, emphasising that platforms like the Daily Trust Dialogue are vital in holding institutions accountable and promoting public discourse.

Saraki urged participants to rise above partisan divides, particularly with another election cycle approaching, stressing that the dialogue should not be turned into a platform for political campaigning.

“This is not a time to speak from our political divides. Let us drop our political gowns and discuss as patriotic Nigerians, with a common goal to make our country great,” he said.

While acknowledging the achievements of over 26 years of uninterrupted civil rule, including peaceful transfers of power, freedom of expression, media pluralism, civil society engagement, and a judiciary that has at times checked excesses, Saraki warned that longevity alone does not equal success.

“The Fourth Republic has survived, but survival is not enough. Nigerians expect democracy to deliver for them — in security, governance, economic opportunity, and justice. Continuity without quality is empty,” he said.

Saraki identified the need for urgent attention to systemic weaknesses, including judicial independence, enforcement of societal values, effective anti-corruption mechanisms, and credible elections. He also emphasised the importance of allowing constructive criticism, warning against branding critics as enemies of the state.

“The quality of our democracy will ultimately be measured by outcomes, not merely by the fact that it endures,” he said.

Saraki expressed confidence that the calibre of participants at the dialogue would produce ideas to reposition Nigeria’s democracy, urging stakeholders to focus on practical solutions that ensure the Fourth Republic is remembered not just for its longevity but for meaningful impact on citizens’ lives.

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