The just concluded Bio meter survey conducted by the Institute of Governance Research has failed President Bio New Direction Government in the areas of Democratic Governance, rule of law and justice.
The survey which rated the New Direction 556 election promises have rated the government very low in the areas of use of executive authority 22.20 %, rule of law, justice and human rights 18.20%,decentralisation 11.10 % and peace and security 9.80%.
The IGR survey noted that the new administration has placed significant emphasis on revamping the economy as reflected in reforms across the macro economy ,anti corruption and the financial sector.
However ,the administration according to the report has been weak in promoting democratic governance and rule of law. Experts have reportedly branded the economic reforms of the Bio administration as a response to external pressure.
‘’Progress on the economic governance front must be balanced with good political governance measures,’’ the report noted.
The Bio meter survey noted that for the fact that President Bio came to office with a slim margin of 3.6% and coupled up with a parliamentary majority from the opposition the new administration had in the past one year preoccupying itself with establishing its authority and expanding its political legitimacy beyond the narrow election margin.
The report urges Government to take deliberate steps to address national cohesion. This according to the report starts with the administration building a performance-driven nation grounded in open and fair recruitment processes, and publicised performance contract for public servants.
Recruitment and dismissals of public servants should be based on objective criteria of competence and performance. relatedly government should work towards ending impunity and ensuring that justice is fairly administered to all.
The Bio meter IGR survey has ranked the government favourably in the areas of the macro economy recording 66.7%,marine resources ,47.2, fighting corruption 44.4 % ,Health and Sanitation 41.5%.
The Institute of Governance Research Bio meter survey is funded by the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) is according to the IGR part of wider efforts in West Africa to create platforms for constructive state citizen dialogue that will enhance the responsiveness of government in meeting the needs of citizens.
The Bio meter has recommended that Government sustains the fight against corruption and economic reforms, sustainable solutions to the country’s energy problems amongst others.
This is not the first time the Bio Government is coming under the spotlight for its undemocratic governance one year after taking up office. Another coalition of local nongovernmental organisations in the country Campaign For Governance has also slammed the government poor government democratic record after lauding it tremendous efforts around Education, economic reforms ,social protection etc.
The pointers have been the frequent disagreements’ in Parliament, and the lack of a national plan by the government to promote consensus building and national cohesion.
In Governance and Rule of Law … President Bio Fails Again
