A

TERM PAPER REPORT

ON

 DEMOCRACY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE MUST BE THE PRIOITY

OF BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE GOVERNED

WRITTEN BY:
EFFIONG, GODSFORTUNE PRINCE-BASSEY
20/104244088
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK
FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR, CALABAR

SUMBITTED TO:
COURSE COORDINATORS: DR. IKPEME, DR. OKORIE, MR. ISAAC OJIHO
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK
FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR, CALABAR

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE COURSE REQUIREMENT

DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE & HUMAN RIGHT (SWK228)

29th AUGUST, 2023.

 INTRODUCTION
The similar concepts of democracy and good governance are no longer new to many
Nigerians who are at least used to hearing or reading about them on the media every day.
They are two of a kind in the sense that they help to strengthen each other in a given
political system, out listed below are quotations that can help us gain little insight on
democracy and good governance.
“Democracy is unfinished business, not fulfillment; it is a process of always
advancing towards fulfillment” – Raymond Grams Swing (1887-1968)

“That is the government which desires to make the people happy, and knows how to
make them happy” – Thomas B. Macaulay (1859 – 1880)

Democracy and good governance are crucial because they ensure transparency,
accountability, and citizen participation in decision-making. They promote fairness,
protect human rights, and foster social and economic development. It’s important for the
government and the governed to prioritize these principles for just and prosperous
society. Democracy and good governance are essential priorities for both the government
and the governed due to their profound impact on the well-being and progress of society.
First and foremost, democracy empowers individuals by ensuring their participation
in decision-making processes. It provides citizen with the right to vote, express their
opinion, and hold their accountable. This inclusive and participatory approach fosters a
sense of ownership and responsibility among the governed, creating a government that
truly represents the will of the people.
Good governance complement democracy by promoting transparency, accountability,
and efficiency in the functioning of government and the governed, leading to a more
stable and harmonious society.
Moreover, democracy and good governance promote social justice. By upholding the
rule of law and protecting human rights, they ensure that every individual, regardless of
their background or status, is treated fairly and equally. This inclusivity fosters social
cohesion, reduces inequalities, and creates opportunities for all members of society to
thrive.
Economically, democracy and good governance play a vital role in driving
sustainable development. By promoting a favorable business environment, protecting
property rights and ensuring the rule of law, they attract investments, encourage
innovations, and stimulate economic growth. This, in turn, leads to job creation, poverty
reduction, and an improved standard of living for the governed.
In addition, democracy and good governance contribute to peace and stability, by
providing avenues for peaceful resolution of conflicts, respecting the rights of minority of
groups, and fostering dialogue and cooperation, they create and environment where
differences can be addressed peacefully. This helps to prevent unrest, political instability,
and even violent conflicts within society.
Ultimately, prioritizing democracy and good governance benefits both the
government and the governed. It strengthens the legitimacy and effectiveness of the
government, enhances public trust, and promotes a sense of ownership and shared
responsibility among citizens by upholding democratic values and ensuring good
governance, societies can strive towards a more just, prosperous, and harmonious future
for all.
 1.0 DEMOCRACY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE

The idea of democracy, or government by the people, is very old, dating back to
ancient Greece. The word itself comes from the Greek words: demos, meaning “the people”,
and kratos, meaning “authority”. Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English (1995) defines
democracy as “a system of government in which everyone in the country can vote to elect its
members, a country that has a government which has been elected by the people of the country,
a situation or system in which everyone is equal and has the right to vote, make decisions etc.
Macionis (2005), simply defines democracy as “a type of political system that gives to the
people as a whole”. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (1995), has a broader definition of
democracy as “a system of government by all the people of a country, usually through
representatives whom they elect, thought as allowing freedom of speech, religion and political
opinion…”. Abraham Lincoln, onetime president of United States of America (U.S.A) gave a
classic definition of democracy as the government of the people, by the people and for the
people. This definition of democracy has remained popular to date and is seen by the author as a
very simple and direct picture of what democracy implies and therefore the preferable definition
of democracy for this paper. This is because it captures the real essence of the practice of
democracy as a kind of government that has popular power in which the people are free, happy,
duly represented and people decide what happens through their representatives. And the
government is continually focusing on the general will of the people.
Good governance on the other hand refers to the way in which power is exercised in
managing the affairs of a country. It involves transparency, accountability, rule of law, and
effective institutions. Good governance adds a normative or evaluative attribute to the process
of governing. From a human right perspective, it refers primarily to the process whereby public
resources and guarantee the realization of human rights. While there is no internationally agreed
definition of “good governance”, It may span the following topics: full respect of human rights,
rule of law, effective participation, multi-actor partnerships, political pluralism, transparent and
accountable processes and institutions, an efficient and effective public sector, legitimacy,
access to knowledge, information and education, political empowerment of people, equity,
sustainability, and attitudes and values that foster responsibility, solidarity, and tolerance. Good
governance entails meeting the aspiration and with conformity to the rule to the rule of law. A
true assessment of good governance in any democracy must observe the degree to which it
delivers the promise of human right and availability of infrastructures, social amenities and
other factors necessary for better life for the people.
In summary, good governance relates to the political and institutional processes and
outcomes that are necessary to achieve the goal of development. The true test of “good
governance” is the degree which it delivers on the promise of human rights: civil, cultural,
economic, political and social right. The key question is: are the institutions of governance
effectively guaranteeing the right to health, adequate housing, sufficient food, quality education,
fair justice and personal security?
 1.1 WHY DEMOCRACY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE MUST BE THE PRIORITY
OF BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE GOVERNED.
Democracy and good governance are important concepts in the society because they promote
stability, inclusivity, and social cohesion. Democracy allows for diverse voices to be heard,
leading to better representation and policies that reflect the needs and aspirations of the people. It
fosters trust between the government and the governed, as well as between different societal
groups.
Good governance ensures that resources are managed efficiently and fairly, reducing corruption
and promoting economic growth. Its also upholds the rule of law, protecting human rights and
ensuring justice for all. These concepts are the foundation of a just and prosperous society, where
everyone has equal opportunities and their voices are valued.
1.2 SEVERAL COMPELLING REASONS WHY DEMOCRACY AND GOOD
GOVERNANCE SHOULD BE THE PRIORITY OF BOTH THE GOVERNMENT
AND THE GOVERNED:

1.2.1 Legitimacy and Trust : Democracy and good governance promote legitimacy and
trust by providing mechanisms for citizen participation, accountability, and
transparency. Here are some examples of elections in a democratic country:

i. Citizenship Participation: In a democratic system, citizens have the

opportunity to participation the electoral process by casting their votes. This
participation gives them a sense of ownership and empowerment, as they have
a say in choosing their representatives. When citizens feel that their voices are
heard and their votes count, it enhances their trust in the government and its
legitimacy.

ii. Accountability: Democracy and good governance require elected officials to

be accountable to the people. Regular elections allow citizens to their
representatives accountable for their actions and decision. If elected officials
fail to fulfill their promises or engage in corrupt practices, citizens can express
their dissatisfaction through peaceful means, such as voting them out of office.
This accountability mechanism strengthens trust in the government, as citizens
know that their concerns will be addressed.

iii. Independent judiciary: In a democratic system, an independent judiciary

plays a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice. When
citizens have confidence in the judiciary’s ability to provide fair and impartial
judgements, it strengthens trust in the government. The judiciary acts as a
 check on the executives and legislature branches, ensuring that they operate
within the confines of the law.
In summary, democracy and good governance promote legitimacy and trust by
ensuring citizen participation, accountability, transparency, an independent
judiciary, and freedom of expression. These elements create an environment where
citizens feel empowered, their concerns are addressed, and the government
operates in a fair and transparent manner. This foster trust between the government
and the governed, enhancing the legitimacy of the government in the eyes of its
citizens.
1.2.2 Responsiveness to Citizens Needs: Democracy and good governance ensure that
the government is responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people. Through
democratic processes, citizens can express their concerns, voice their opinions, and
hold the government accountable. Good governance mechanisms, such as
transparency and citizen engagement, enable the government to understand and
address the priorities of the governed.

i. Grievance Redressal Mechanisms: Democracy and good governance establish

grievance redressal mechanisms to address citizens’ concerns and complaints.
These mechanisms provide channels for citizens to report issues, seek assistance,
and receive timely responses. For instance, a government may establish a
dedicated helpline or online portal where citizens can register complaints about
public services. By promptly addressing these grievances, the government
demonstrates its commitment to responsiveness and ensures citizens’ needs are
met.

ii. Civil Society Engagement: Democracy and good governance encourage civil
society organization to play an active role in advocating for citizens’ needs. These
organizations represent the interests of specific groups or communities and provide
a platform for citizens to voice their concerns collectively. Governments that
engage with civil society organizations and consider their recommendations
demonstrate a commitment to responsiveness and inclusivity.

1.2.3 Protection of Human Rights: Democracy and good governance uphold and protect
human rights. They provide a framework that guarantees fundamental freedoms,
such as freedom of speech, by assembly, and association. By prioritizing democracy
and good governance, both the government and the governed ensure the protection
of these rights, fostering a just and inclusive society.
In a democratic system, the government is elected by the people and is responsible
human rights. Here’s an example: in a democratic country, citizens have the right to
freedom of speech and expression. Through democratic processes, citizens can voice
their opinions, criticize the government, and advocate for their rights without fear of
persecution. Good governance ensures that laws and policies are in place to protect
 these rights and that the government is held accountable for any violations. This
promotes a culture of respect for human rights among both the government and the
governed.

1.2.4 Sustainable Development: Democracy and good governance contribute to peace

and stability within societies. When citizens have a voice in decision-making and
feel that their concerns are addressed, they are lee likely to resort to violence or
engage in social unrest. By prioritizing democracy and good governance,
government can foster social cohesion, resolve conflicts peacefully, and build a more
harmonious society. Democracy promote sustainable development by ensuring that
decisions are made in the best interest of the people and the environment. For an
example, in a democratic society with good governance, environmental policies and
regulations can be put in place to protect natural resources and promote sustainable
practices. This could include laws to reduce pollution, encourage renew able energy,
and promote conservation efforts. Through democratic processes, citizens can also
participate in decision-making, allowing their voices to be heard on issues related to
sustainable development. This involvement fosters transparency, accountability, and
the inclusion of diverse perspectives, leading to more effective and sustainable
policies. Ultimately, democracy and good governance empower both the government
and the governed to work together towards a more sustainable future.

1.2.5 Peace and Stability: Democracy and good governance paves the way for peace and
stability by providing a framework for peaceful resolution of conflicts and ensuring
the rule of law. In a democratic system or society with governance, there are
mechanisms in place to address grievances and resolve disputes peacefully. This can
include an independent judiciary, a free press, the protection of human rights.
Through democratic processes, citizens have the opportunity to participate in
decision-making, reducing feelings exclusion and marginalization that can lead to
unrest. Additionally, good governance ensures that power is exercised n a
transparent and accountable manner, reducing corruption and fostering trust between
the government and the governed. This combination of democratic principles and
good governance creates an environment of peace, stability, and respect for the rule
of law.

1.2.6 Innovation and Creativity: Democracy and good governance encourage innovation
and creativity. When individuals have the freedom to express their ideas, participate
in public discourse, and engage in entrepreneurial activities, they can contribute to
societal progress and economic growth. By prioritizing democracy and governance,
government create and environment that nurtures innovation and unleashes the
potential of their citizens. For instance, in a society that operate in a democratic
system with good governance, there is space for diverse ideas and perspectives to
flourish. This can be seen through mechanisms such as freedom of speech and a free
press, which allows for the exchange of ideas and the sharing of knowledge. In such
 an environment, individuals are most likely empowered to innovate, explore new
ideas, and challenge existing norms. Democratic processes also provide
opportunities for citizens to participate in decision-making, allowing them to
contribute their unique insights and expertise. This inclusivity and openness to new
ideas can lead to the development of innovative solutions to societal challenges.
Ultimately, democracy and good governance create a fertile ground for innovation
and creativity to thrive among both the government and the governed.

Democracy and good governance must be the priority of both the government and the
governed because they establish legitimacy, ensure responsiveness to citizens needs, protect
human rights, promote sustainable development, foster peace and stability, and encourage
innovation. By prioritizing these concepts, societies can thrive, individuals can flourish, and
governments can effectively serve the interests of their citizens.
1.3 CONCLUSION

Prioritizing democracy and good governance is essential for the harmonious coexistence
and progress of society. By placing these principles at the forefront, government can
ensure that power is distributed equitably and that the voices of all citizens are heard and
respected. This leads to a more inclusive, just, and accountable system that fosters trust,
stability, and peace. Simultaneously, the governed must also prioritize democracy and
good governance by actively participating in the democratic process, holding their leaders
accountable, and advocating for transparency and fairness. By doing so, they contribute to
the creation of a society that values the right and freedoms of all individuals, promotes
innovation sustainable development for the betterment of present and future generations.

Democracy and good governance are not just abstract concepts but fundamental pillars
that shape the fabric of society. They empower individuals, ensure accountability, and
promote the common good. When both the government and the governed prioritize
democracy and good governance, they lay the groundwork for a society that thrives on
inclusivity, justice, progress. It is through this collective commitment and effort that we
can build a brighter future, where the voices of all are heard, and the potential of every
individual is realized.
1.4 REFERENCES
Adejumobi, S. (2000) Demilitarization and Democratic Reorientation in Nigeria Issues,
Problems and Prospects. Verfassung Und Recht in Ubersee. Law and Politics in Africa,
Asia and Latin America. Vol. 33. No. 1. April pp. 26-42.

Alcantara, C. (1998) Uses and Abuse of the Concept of Government”. International

Social Science Journal, No 155, pp 105-133.

Osaghae, E. (1999) Democratisation in Sub-Saharan Africa; Faltering propects, New

Hopes, Journal Of Contemporary African Studies, Vol, 17, No. 1. Pp.5-28

Macionis, J.J. (2005) Sociology (19th ed). Prentice Hall, New Jersey