In commemoration of Democracy Day, Yobe Governance Watch, a civic accountability platform, held a public engagement event titled “Democracy: A Blessing or a Burden to Nigeria?” with a special focus on the Yobe State experience.
The event, which followed a vibrant X (formerly Twitter) Space discussion on the same topic held the night before, took place today, June 12, 2025, bringing together concerned citizens, thought leaders, and youth voices in Damaturu.
The discussion, moderated by Wadzani Apagu, a journalist, who also anchors the Yobe Governance Watch platform, provided a critical space for reflection on Nigeria’s democratic journey and its impact at the state level.
Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Lawan Munkaila, officially declared the event open, setting the tone for what he described as “an honest and forward-looking conversation about governance and accountability in Yobe and beyond.”
In his remarks, one of the panelists, Hussaini Hassan, emphasized the importance of sustained civic engagement in deepening democracy.
“This platform is not just about criticism,” he noted, “but about building a culture of accountability and participation.”
The panel discussion dissected various aspects of democratic governance, addressing both its triumphs and shortcomings in Nigeria and Yobe State in particular.
The conversation highlighted challenges such as low civic participation, elite capture of political processes, and the lack of transparency in public institutions.
However, the panel also celebrated democratic gains like press freedom, peaceful transitions of power, and increased political awareness among the youth.
Similarly, members of the audience, also contributed actively, offering personal insights, recommendations, and reflections on how to strengthen democracy at the grassroots.
“This is just a taste,” the organizers remarked, noting that bigger engagements are on the horizon, while they are building momentum for a broader civic movement, and in the end, “democracy will win.”
The event concluded with a call for more inclusive dialogue, sustained public participation, and stronger institutions to uphold the principles of democracy.
