I’m worried about democracy in Nigeria – Jerry Gana

The pioneer Minister of Cooperation and Integration in Africa, Prof. Jerry Gana, has expressed worries over the viability of the democratic system in Nigeria. Speaking in Abuja on Monday at the 25th anniversary of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), which coincided with the 2025 International Day of Peace, Gana said, “I now […]

The pioneer Minister of Cooperation and Integration in Africa, Prof. Jerry Gana, has expressed worries over the viability of the democratic system in Nigeria.

Speaking in Abuja on Monday at the 25th anniversary of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), which coincided with the 2025 International Day of Peace, Gana said, “I now worry for the democratic system, not only in Nigeria, but even in the world.  But for the grace of God, the US would have gone because its democracy was no longer democracy. It was something else.

“Here, too, the other day, one of our very highly respected leaders gave a lecture in Accra, Ghana, on the threats to democracy. And I really feel that we must make sure that Nigeria, this mode of administration which humanity loves – democracy, we must protect it and defend it and really relate it to generations yet to come,” the former minister said.

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He highlighted the importance of quality leadership in maintaining peace in society, lamenting that Nigerian leaders were no longer effective.

“Our leaders are no longer thinking, no more initiative, no more programs. Otherwise, how can a nation like the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a nation full of these kinds of resources, have the kind of realities we are facing now?

“We must insist on investing in excellence in leadership. Leadership is the key. Leadership is vital. Leadership is very important – enlightened leadership, trained leadership, compassionate leadership, leadership full of ideas,” Gana said.

Speaking on the importance of the day, the former Minister of Information stated that genuine peace cannot exist without justice, fairness, and equity, warning that injustice remains the greatest threat to peace in any society.

“Peace without justice is impossible because injustice breeds resentment and fuels conflict,” he said. “Once people feel excluded, oppressed, or denied their fair share of resources, they are more likely to resist authority, making peace fragile and unsustainable.”

Gana lamented the global decline in peacefulness, citing the 2025 Global Peace Index. “Too often we define peace as merely the silence of guns. But lasting peace is far more profound. Peace delayed is peace denied. Peace begins not in conference halls, but in human hearts,” he noted.

In his remarks, Director-General of IPCR, Dr Joseph Ochogwu, described the 25th anniversary as a milestone in the Institute’s journey of peacebuilding.

He said the theme of this year’s International Day of Peace, “Act Now for a Peaceful World,” was both a call to action and reflection.

“Peace is not merely the absence of war, but the presence of justice, equity, and dignity for all. For a quarter of a century, IPCR has been at the forefront of this noble cause,” Ochogwu said, commending staff, stakeholders, and past leaders for sustaining the vision.

He also praised President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, saying its alignment with IPCR’s goals provides a fresh opportunity to consolidate peace in rural communities and beyond.