AN INTERROGATION OF DEMOCRATIC ACCOUNTABILITY IN NIGERIA IN THE AGE OF GLOBALIZATION
Obiora Anichebe 1 & Solomon Terungwa Gbagir 2
Department of Philosophy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 1
Department of Religion and Philosophy, University of Mkar, Mkar, Nigeria 2
Corresponding Email: terungwasolomon@gmail.com 2
Abstract
One of the most significant principles of a democratically enthroned socio-political order is the principle of accountability. Accountability allows a democratic system to ensure a politically responsible leadership. However, in Nigeria democratic accountability seems most complex and challenging in view of ethnic and cultural diversities. It also remains almost a mirage in the face of corruption, weak institutional frameworks and globalisation. The impact of globalization is thus critical to this challenge of democratic accountability as the influence of the international community on oil-producing countries like Nigeria remains overwhelmingly evident especially in the exacerbation of economic inequalities and social injustices. This paper thus advances the argument that the growing intersection of globalisation and democratic practice has both positive and negative impacts on policy decision making and governance. Globalisation has enhanced economic liberalisation, creating opportunities for economic growth while also shaping democratic institutions of Nigeria for a people oriented governance. The paper uses the analytic and evaluative methods. The analytic method interrogates democratic accountability in the face of globalisation in Nigeria while the evaluative method presents a value judgment of same. The paper concludes that in the age of globalisation, addressing issues of corruption, strengthening of Nigeria’s weak institutional frameworks and the infusion of democratic structures that address the fluidity of contemporary politics, leveraging digital technologies and enhancing citizen participation could result in a more resilient, responsive, and open governance which is necessary to meet the demands of contemporary governance.
Keywords: Democracy, Globalization, Accountability, Governance.
