A former speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, has urged public officeholders to deliver good governance and ensure Nigerians enjoy democracy’s dividends.

Mr Ikuforiji made the appeal on Thursday in Lagos at the fourth edition of an Iftar organised for media practitioners.

He commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for pursuing policies he said were improving governance and gradually yielding positive economic outcomes.

Mr Ikuforiji said Nigerians must reflect on the nation’s journey since independence and confront the persistent challenges hindering development.

“Nigerians have come a long way, and anyone who is fair-minded and independent will appreciate the efforts of the present administration. Mr President has made possible what many thought impossible. Things were bad before because we avoided reality and blamed others,” he said.

He urged leaders and citizens to continually evaluate government performance in order to strengthen accountability and promote better governance.

The former Speaker also encouraged Nigerians to reduce dependence on imported foods and invest more in agriculture.

Mr Ikuforiji called for public support for government policies aimed at strengthening the economic foundation.

“We operated superficially for years, using petroleum revenues to inflate the naira without producing enough to sustain the economy,” stated the Lagos politician. “Corruption cut across society—politicians, teachers, farmers, traders, drivers, doctors, civil servants, religious leaders and others.

He added, “Corruption has become widespread. Until we rethink our values and change our orientation, development, and the future we desire will remain elusive.”

Mr Ikuforiji was a subject of corruption allegations and trial until 2024. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission charged Mr Ikuforiji with a 54-count charge of laundering N338.8 million.

It accused Mr Ikuforiji of misappropriating funds belonging to the Assembly while serving as the speaker. The EFCC alleged that the defendants committed the offences from April 2010 to July 2011.

In 2024, the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court acquitted the former speaker and his former aide, Oyebode Atoyebio, of the 54-count money laundering charge.

(NAN)