By Kayode Olopade
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has urged political leaders across Nigeria to shift their focus from merely winning elections to delivering the tangible dividends of democracy, insisting that good governance remains the true measure of democratic success.
Governor Eno made the call on Thursday while delivering the Centenary Lecture of the Yoruba Tennis Club in Onikan, Lagos, on the theme: "Democracy and the Imperative of Good Governance: Renewing Hope in Challenging Times."
The governor, who arrived at the event alongside his predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, and other senior government officials, addressed an audience comprising political leaders, diplomats, captains of industry and eminent Nigerians.
Speaking on the essence of democracy, Eno argued that democratic governance should not be judged solely by the conduct of elections but by its ability to improve citizens' quality of life through accessible healthcare, quality education, food security, good roads and other essential public services.
"Our task, therefore, is not merely to preserve democracy. It is to make democracy mean something," the governor declared.
He stressed that the average citizen experiences democracy beyond the ballot box.
"A citizen does not experience democracy on election day alone. He experiences it at the hospital gate, in his child's classroom, on the road to his farm, and in the price of what he eats. A democracy that never reaches those places loses its moral authority long before it loses an election."
According to him, while elections confer legitimacy on governments, it is effective governance that justifies the mandate freely given by the electorate.
"Elections confer legitimacy; governance justifies it," he stated.
Governor Eno further advocated greater transparency and accountability in public administration, warning that opaque budgeting and procurement systems create fertile ground for corruption and erode public confidence in democratic institutions.
"Citizens cannot judge what they cannot see. Where budgets and procurement are opaque, corruption is not merely likely; it has been structurally invited," he said.
Highlighting his administration's commitment to accountability, the governor disclosed that the Akwa Ibom State Government conducts monthly Delivery Review Sessions where commissioners and heads of agencies publicly account for the progress, cost and timelines of government projects before stakeholders, journalists, civil society organisations and ordinary citizens.
"Every month, for two full days, we hold Delivery Review Sessions to which we invite stakeholders, elected officials, journalists, civil society organisations and ordinary citizens. Project by project, we present the cost, timeline and status, and then we take questions.
"It is not always a comfortable exercise. That is rather the point. A government questioned only once every four years will behave like a government questioned only once every four years," he added.
Eno maintained that rebuilding public trust in democratic institutions requires openness, measurable performance and leadership committed to improving the welfare of the people.
In his remarks, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, congratulated the Yoruba Tennis Club on attaining its centenary, describing the institution as one of Nigeria's oldest, most respected and enduring social clubs.
He commended Governor Eno for accepting the invitation to deliver the landmark lecture despite his demanding schedule, noting that the quality of the presentation reflected deep intellectual engagement and commitment to strengthening democratic governance.
Sanwo-Olu said the club's 100th anniversary was not merely a celebration of longevity but a testament to enduring trust, shared values and the vision of its founding fathers, whose legacy has continued to promote friendship, excellence and nation-building.
Earlier, Chairman of the Yoruba Tennis Club, Chief Olawumi Gasper, described the centenary celebration as a defining moment in the club's history rather than a mere ceremonial occasion.
He noted that for the past century, the club has demonstrated that recreation can successfully coexist with intellectual engagement, civic responsibility and national development.
Chief Gasper thanked the distinguished guests for honouring the event, saying their presence underscored the enduring relevance of the club's ideals and its contributions to Nigeria's socio-political development.
The centenary lecture was one of the major highlights of activities commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Yoruba Tennis Club, attracting an array of governors, political leaders, diplomats, captains of industry, business executives and other notable personalities from across Nigeria.
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