Former governor of Lagos State, BABATUNDE FASHOLA says good governance is the only purpose for which a government can legitimately exist. FASHOLA said the definition of good governance is not a matter that all citizens can easily agree upon, because of the differences in expectations. He said the test of good governance, which is routed through good policies, should be whether it brings the greatest good to the greatest number of people. He identified welfare, safety and security as the major benchmarks to measure whether the policies of any government are geared towards good governance, and not whether it brings the greatest good to every member of society.
FASHOLA’s remarks were contained in the conclusion of a presentation he made at the Doctor Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture in Lagos. He said the active participation of citizens is a precondition for democracy to translate to good governance. According to him; democratic governance must constantly keep in touch with the changing need of citizens through polls and surveys to gather empirical information to help in the formulation of policies. FASHOLA stressed that good governance in a democracy is possible, and that continues public enlightenment through legitimate means is a necessary condition to make it happen.
