The Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has stated that citizens’ responsiveness to their civic responsibilities remains an integral factor to engender good governance in any society.
This was as he noted that the lack of it has also posed as one of the major hindrances to effective governance and good leadership.
Speaking on the theme of the lecture: “Unlocking Progress: The Indispensable Trio of Security, Governance, and Citizens’ Responsibilities” the nation’s police boss stated that political leaders did not fall from the skies insisting that political leadership of a society reflects same society that produces them, and as such responsibility should be collectively shared by both the governed and the government.
The IGP emphasized that while governments is working tirelessly to improve the welfare of citizens, the public’s failure to actively participate in civic duties such as obeying the law, paying taxes, engaging in services that aid governance, and respect for others, readily detract from the overall progress.
Egbetokun maintained that good governance is a product of a collective effort and stressed that leadership alone cannot guarantee a prosperous society without active participation of the citizens with the knowledge of their civic responsibilities.
According to his well documented lecture booklet, the IGP highlighted the lack of responsive to civic responsibility by the people undermines national efforts to curb security challenges, improve economic stability, and create an inclusive society.
He expressed concern that a disengaged citizenry often becomes complacent, allowing corruption, lawlessness, and social unrest to thrive.
“Civic responsibility is not just about following laws, it is also about holding government accountable, participating in elections, and engaging in the political process,” Baba added. “When citizens abdicate their duties, they make it difficult for leaders to make the right decisions for the common good.”
The IGP also pointed out that security agencies, including the police, often face difficulties in carrying out their mandates when citizens fail to report criminal activities or collaborate with law enforcement. He called for increased collaboration between the police and the public to strengthen community policing efforts and improve overall security.
“It is not enough for citizens to just expect the government to solve every problem. We all have roles to play,” Baba said. “The police cannot do it alone. We need citizens to be our eyes and ears in the community.”
The IGP’s remarks come amid growing concerns about the rise of insecurity in various parts of the country, including the increasing activities of kidnappers, insurgents, and armed robbers. In recent months, citizens have expressed frustration over the lack of visible improvements in security despite numerous government promises.
Baba also reiterated the importance of civic education, urging Nigerians to embrace their civic duties from an early age and foster a culture of responsibility. He called on schools, civil society organizations, and religious bodies to help instill a sense of national pride and duty among young people.
The national security summit, which brought together top government officials, security experts, and civil society representatives, focused on finding actionable solutions to address the country’s security challenges while promoting a more responsible and engaged citizenry.
He also maintained that governance is referred to the processes and structures that guide how power is exercised, decision are made and public resources are managed for the benefit of all.
Egbetokun linked poor governance to corruption, saying in 2022, Nigeria is ranked 150th out of 180 countries on the corruption Perception index, stressing that citizens have both constitutional and moral responsibilities that are essential in strengthening and maintaining the balance between governance and security.
He stated that responsible citizens often leads to responsible government, saying there is need for Nigerians to also start looking in the direction of their civic responsibilities as good citizens of the country before criticizing government.
According to him, “Nigerians continue blaming the government but failed to pay attention to what they can do as a responsible citizens of the nation for her development and stability.”
The said national progress is achieved only when governance structures are transparent, security is ensured through collaboration between law enforcement and citizens, and citizens actively participate in upholding both legal and moral standards.
He noted that the synergy between security, governance and citizens responsibilities is essential for sustainable development.
He said, “Security enables governance by creating a stable environment, governance promotes security through effective policies and citizens ensured both participating in democratic process.”
Egbetokun also maintained that the ongoing reforms embarked by the President Bola Tinubu led federal government in security and governance such as community policing and anti-corruption measures were key steps towards the progress of Nigeria.
“By recognising interconnectedness of the above mentioned elements, nations like Nigeria can unlock her full potential and achieve sustainable development.”
He however said future of security and governance lies in collective effort, where the government, law enforcement and citizens work together towards a common goal of national peace and stability.
Earlier in his remark, the Vice Chancellor (VC), University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale said the significant of the lecture was to look into issues affecting the nations advancement, describing the lecture as collective effort towards unlocking full potential of the society.
He however said this year’s convocation lecture aimed to explore critical security, governance and citizens responsibilities as foundation for national development.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of award to the IGP by the University in recognition of his contributions to the nation’s security and development.
In the IGP’s entourage are the Oyo state Commissioner of Police, Ayodele Sonubi and other top officers of the state Command.