Mr. Christian Nwachukwu Jnr, the author of a new book titled “Good Governance and Democratic Stability in Nigeria” is a youth corps member in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). A graduate of political science from Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUST), he is also a diploma holder in mass communication from the same school. He hails from Amachi Amazu Ishiagu in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Mr. Christian Nwachukwu Jnr. made history last Saturday at the symposium hall, Merit House in Maitama Abuja, when his book, "Good Governance and Democratic Stability in Nigeria" was launched.

Though, most of the important dignitaries invited did not show up due to one reason or the other, the event turned out to be very successful as the few people that turned up performed above expectation. It became a big challenge to everyone that came for the launching to play additional role to fill the gap of the absentes a situation most observers described as unfortunate.

The chairman of the occasion was Dr. Elijah Baiyeri, patron of the Yar’adua/Jonathan Solidarity Forum, who replaced the former senate president, Chief Pius Anyim, Dr. Baiyeri praised the effort of the youth corps member whom he said, deserves all the support as a youth. He frowned at the absence of the big shots invited and urged youth present not to be disappointed adding that, "afterall, the future belongs to you."

"I commend the zeal of Nwachukwu Jnr. For this wonderful work. I have read it and I recommend it to all Nigerians. At times like this, we need youth like Nwachukwu to contribute to our national development. His is a shining example to his compatriots," the chairman added.

In his remark, the author of the book said, the launching of the book was remarkable in his life. "Today, is very remarkable in my life and also within this period of my youth service so far. Hence, I seize this opportunity to thank the Almighty God who made it so and also to commend the inspirational assistance/moral support from families, friends and well-wishers in the course of writing and publishing this book."

He said, the book, a panacea to Nigerias, problems is an intellectual discourse, which had exhausted a long period of extensive research. "It is a multi-dimensional approach dealing sequentially with empirical and conceptual prospects of ensuring an enduring democracy in Nigeria," he added.

Mr. Nwachukwu Jnr said, no doubt, our country is currently passing through traumatic period of political instability, religious crisis, economic problems, communal clashes among other things. He opined that all these were reflecting in our party politics which deserves the attention of all of us.

The book is handy and divided into six chapters and in 100 pages. The chapters include the history of Nigeria as a nation, meaning of good governance, democratic governance, factors that enhance good governance, impediments to good and democratic governance and values of good governance and democratic stability.

The choice of Prince Ebuta Ayuk, the deputy National Chairman (south of the All Nigerian People’s Party (ANPP) to write a forward for the book was a good one as, he was able to define the real meaning of democracy. He described democracy as a contract signed between two parties, the elected and the electorates.

He then opined that, in an ideal society, once this electoral social contract was broken, the electorates usually have their way through the ballot box. In essence, citizens use their electoral power to remove such non-performing ruler or rulers.

Giving an example of Ukraine, where her citizens put this into practice with some high level of success, Prince Ayuk said, Nigeria still has a long way to go in this direction.

The ANPP leader also remarked that both citizens and government have roles to play in making any democratic system successful as practiced all over the world.

In his own contribution, Mr. Chuno Akojurn postulated that, the centre core of Nigeria’s problems lie in her democratic instability. He said this has a spill over effect on her social and economic well-being. In all, I must say, this book is written in a simple style to enable both the young and old have a full understanding of Nigeria’s democratic governance and political history.

One other unique feature of this 100-page book also lies in its indepth analysis, depicting the peculiar situation of Nigeria, as a nation. It traced our nation’s history from the colonial era, looking at the various factors that hindered our development up to the present time.

The author clearly examined a Nigerian state where our politicians play politics on a full-time scale with personal interest far outweighing that of the state and citizens with the ultimate aim of personal enrichment. In fact, Mr. Nwachukwu concluded that, ‘most often, politics in Nigeria is synonymous with wealth accumulation rather than service to the people.

Realising the role of the military in our body politics, the writer also dwelt on the military incursion into our political system.

However, the central theme of this book is that there is the need for our politicians to place service above self. And that, if this is done, the level of corruption would automatically reduce and the nation will be better for it.

Asking such questions as; will our forefathers who fought for our independence be happy if they were alive today? He contended that there could not be stability without good governance. And to those tourists and students of history, this book provides some insights into Nigeria’s history.

One could get to know about our land mass, languages spoken, special features and even areas of special interest for both visitors and citizens alike.

Salient areas such as poverty was clearly analysed and treated. Education was given a special attention. It’s not going by the author’s antecedent as a graduate of politics and writer.

His manner of concluding the 100 page book suprising he did that, is appropriate. He called on government both at the local, state and federal levels to create employment through the industrial and agricultural developments. He postulated that the coming together of both the public and private sectors in fashioning out programmes that would provide employment opportunities for the teeming youth will afterall not be a bad idea.

He said problems such as thuggery, prostitution, 419 and other social vices could be greatly reduced if employment opportunities are provided.

I recommend this book to all. Mr. Nwachukwu Jnr, a youth corper has indeed done a good job. Bonjur!