The Imperative of Socio-Economic Stability for Sustainable Democracy in Nigeria

Abstract

The study examines the effect of stable socio-economic development on democracy in Nigeria. It is argued that socio-economic stability aims at creating individuals with the capacity to go beyond citizens who are passive subjects of the state to those who are well cared for and responsible. It should encourage citizens to participate and contribute to the development and maintenance of democratic governance and citizenship, which eventually leads to the establishment of a stable democratic political system in the country. The main argument of this paper is that enduring socio-economic factors or imperatives have not been accorded the importance they deserve in building the socio-economic well-being of the populace and entrenching the much needed democratic culture. The paper focused more on areas such as education, health care delivery, poverty, corruption, accountability, and unemployment and job creation amongst others. Political issues such as electoral process, money and politics, political parties were examined. Finally, the study among others recommended that the Federal Government should provide an enabling environment that will socially and economically empower the people, the culture of democracy should be institutionalized at both societal and state levels, and Nigeria should diversify its economy and put in place a political arrangement that recognizes the importance of agricultural production as part of national security. Strategies for implementation of these issues were also proffered.