Mr Peter Ameh, National Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), has advised Nigerian leaders to build solid democratic institutions for the development of the country.
Ameh told NAN in Abuja that building solid democratic institutions would strengthen and consolidate the country’s democracy.
According to him, the challenges facing Nigeria would fade away if there is proper institutional framework. “We must set up institutions that can boost development in their
activities whether or not a new government comes in or goes out. “There should be a social structure that keeps a nation growing and puts its citizens far away from corruption,’’ he said.
He observed that corruption would thrive if the government failed to put in place a social framework that would secure the future of civil servants and other citizens.
He, therefore, solicited prompt payment of workers’ salary to discourage corruption in the civil service. “We must establish mortgage systems that work. A person does not have
to work for 35 years and still doesn’t own a house,” he said. He admitted that a democratic system of government is a better form of government compared with military administration.
“This is because in a democracy, there is freedom of expression and interaction and free thinking people are allowed to participate in the process,’’ he observed.
Commenting on rampant cases of kidnappings across the country, Ameh said that if government provided social cushions and job security for the citizens, such social vice and others would reduce.
“Government must make provisions for those who are unemployed and give job security for those who are gainfully employed. “It is not just about salary. It is about creating an atmosphere that will encourage the youth to save for the future,’’ he said.