Azinge made the call when a delegation from BEL Media Consult, the organisers of the 2026 BEL Dialogue, visited him in Asaba.
The Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, on Thursday called for the strengthening of Nigeria’s democracy to deliver better outcomes for citizens.
The royal father made the call when a delegation from BEL Media Consult, the organisers of the 2026 BEL Dialogue, visited him in Asaba.
The 2026 BEL Dialogue held on Thursday in Asaba with theme, “Democracy That Works: Bridging the Gap Between Votes, Results and Institutional Accountability.”
The focus was on improving democratic governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The traditional ruler described the theme as timely, especially with electioneering campaigns expected to begin in August.
He praised the former INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mike Igini, adding that he is suitable to lead the dialogue.
He urged Nigerians to recognise the importance of voting and encouraged the event organisers to develop recommendations that would strengthen the electoral system and deepen democratic accountability.
Azinge expressed optimism that the dialogue would provide useful solutions through contributions from electoral experts, public policy leaders and other stakeholders examining governance and citizen participation.
“I know that your dialogue will be very useful, and I am sure you have the machinery to ensure that it is circulated all over the globe so that people will get to hear,” he said.
The royal father said the timing of the dialogue was appropriate, stressing that Nigerians desired a democracy that worked better and delivered improved results for the people.
“We are not here to condemn anything now, before or after, but certainly it is the yearning of all Nigerians that the system should be better than what it is now,” he said.
The Asagba said that Asaba traditional institution would continue complementing government efforts, noting that communities also have responsibilities towards improving the welfare of their people.
He said that he had moved from traditional rulership to traditional governance because he wanted greater involvement in the welfare, healthcare and everyday needs of his people.
“That is the only way I can serve honourably, with dignity, and leave a lasting legacy,” Azinge said.
Earlier, Chairman of the Advisory Board, BEL Media Consult, Mr Paul Enebeli, said the visit was to formally introduce the BEL Dialogue, a public policy and engagement initiative, to the traditional ruler.
Enebeli said that Nigeria needed practical solutions to its challenges, adding that the dialogue was designed to examine national issues and produce recommendations for improving democratic governance.
He said the 2026 edition would provide an interactive platform on electoral integrity, institutional accountability and citizen participation ahead of the 2027 general election.
The advisory board chairman sought the royal blessings of Azinge, who he described as a transformative traditional leader, for the success of the dialogue.
The delegation included electoral governance expert and former INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mike Igini, Secretary to the Advisory Board and Executive Director of BEL Dialogue, Emmanuel Enebeli, among others. (NAN)
