Exploring the Synergy of Democracy and National Security for Good Governance in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper is an explorative discourse on the state of democracy, national security and good governance in Nigeria. The paper through the use of system theory unfolds the hyphen and buckle between good governance and national security. It argues that poor political governance as manifested in lack of people centered leadership, corruption, poor institutionalization of democratic principles and ideals, widespread unemployment, poverty, wide spread illiteracy among others have led to crude contestation of political power which continues to threaten the survival of the Nigerian state. It will not be false to say that Nigeria once again became democratic in 1999 but has not taken advantage of this form of government to put in place measures that will ensure good governance and national security. The lack of good governance in the country is traceable to the absence of true democracy which has brought with it increased insecurity. Today, new security challenges like suicide bombings, terrorist attacks, kidnapping, armed robbery and banditry are on the increase in Nigeria. There is also increased poverty and hunger, decayed infrastructure and particularly, corrupt leadership etc. This situation is wreaking efforts at deepening democratic practices, which in turn portends serious danger to national security and integration. This paper therefore aims at examining how the combine efforts of entrenched democracy and good governance can enhance national security in Nigeria.