THE IMPACT OF CIVIL SOCIETY IN DEMOCRATIC SUSTAINABILITY IN NIGERIA (A CASE STUDY OF NGOS IN BORNO STATE).
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Background of the Study
The concept of democratic principles is described as a form of political organization that incorporates a number of basic principles that place importance on human life and dignity and, in many cases, defines procedures for their fulfillment as a united group. As such, Kuna (2005) asserts that democracy is a type of power and a political paradigm that, in broad terms, grants voters the right to actively make political choices through majority rule. It is a popular belief today that democratic governments were substantially formed by ideas and institutions from throughout the world that strove to define the boundaries of public authority and the relationship between rulers and the ruled. Historically, Nigeria's political system was under siege by military control for three decades until transitioning to democracy in 1999.
In an ideal world, democratic practice would provide or encourage chances for excellent governance, growth, and social advancement. Indeed, democratic governance should not only promote excellent governance but also produce significant social and societal transformation processes (Ikelegbe, 2013). Surprisingly, the restoration of democracy in the country on May 29, 1999 has not aided in the attainment of the ideals of good governance in terms of the relevant authorities' observance of the principle of justice to all on an equal footing, efficiency in public administration, development-oriented budgeting, and curbing corruption in our national life, all of which are traceable to poor governance and political leadership deficiencies. Prior to Nigeria's nascent democracy, the 1980s saw the start of their efforts in the pursuit of democratic government. Governments, which had previously been unaccountable and autocratic, became even more authoritarian when they began on unpopular austerity measures. According to Ikubaje (2011), when the state became the property of the ruling elite, misuse of power, executive lawlessness, and rash political choices became the norm. This sparked a civil society dedicated to protect rights, freedom, and civic principles. The speculation was marked by great unrest among residents and civic groups, who sought democracy, involvement, and fairness.
According to Nwachukwu (2015 & 2018), civil society groups are always better situated to impose pressure on the government and demand policies that promote democracy, development, and good governance because of their origins and roles. He also believes that civil society is a "space" whose function is to mediate between the individual and the state. While there is no clear definition of civil society, most agree that it includes institutions such as religious organizations, labor unions, charity organizations, community groups, non-profits, and the media. Furthermore, they are always better placed to ensure that elections are free and transparent, as well as to demand reforms in institutions such as the court, legislature, executive, police, local government, and so on. Similarly, Paffenholz and Spurk (2006) proposed that robust civil society organizations are increasingly recognized as a requirement for progressing beyond "formal" democracies, accomplishing long-term attitude shifts, and overcoming opposition from oppressive authorities and elites. Civil society organizations typically advocate for opposing opinions with government officials on a specific issue at the time. This is because, in contrast to caucus decision-making and the public policy process, political leaders receive their policy alternatives and direction mostly through cooperation and coordination among certain significant stakeholders. According to Paffenholz et al., active civil society organisations are widely acknowledged as vital to increasing governments' accountability to their constituents, strengthening public policy decisions, and increasing the efficacy of development programs.
On the other hand, it is impossible to discuss civil society's role in supporting democracy without discussing non-governmental groups. According to Owa and Wisdom (2020), the word "non-governmental organization" (NGO) denotes to a broad spectrum of organizations, ranging from huge northern charities to small southern self-help groups, all with the purpose of enhancing people's quality of life. Several non-profit private projects are tackling development issues. As a result, they define "NGO" as autonomous, non-membership, semi-permanent or institutionalized intermediary entities that aid grass-roots organizations. As stated by Keck and Sikkink, NGOs are an essential and loud forum for civil society engagement in public affairs for community development and are referred to as the third sector (2018).
According to Mercer (2002), as cited in Owa et'al (2020), NGOs have played an increasingly prominent role in the formulation and execution of project policies since the 1950s, evolving into key participants in a nation's politics and economics of development. This is because charitable organizations are thought to have more administrative flexibility, to be closer to the needy, to be more imaginative in problem-solving reform, and to be more cost-effective than their governmental equivalents. As a result, the humanitarian purpose of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) has developed throughout time to include poverty reduction, environmental sustainability, gender equality, and democracy in both the North and the South (Owa et al 2020).
Regionally, Northern NGOs in Nigeria respond to disasters, give urgent help, and support long-term reintegration to victims of war and natural or man-made disasters. They raise funds in the North from the general public, private businesses, and government entities to spend on charity work and to share as much as possible with their Southern counterparts, to assist in the training and education of Southern NGOs, to educate their own constituencies in the North about the root causes of poverty, and to increase citizen engagement in effective persuasion and campaigning for change (Lewis 1998, cited in Owa ). As a result of the aforementioned, there has been increasing engagement with the government and aid agencies, which might provide an alternative development model and play an important part in democratic processes.
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