A/HRC/28/64/Add.2 Governance 88. Good governance is essential for a fully democratic and inclusive Nigerian society, minority rights, social stability and the promotion of the rule of law. Nevertheless, a good governance deficit exists in Nigeria with implications for minority issues and rights and community relations. Good governance comprises different intertwined features, including inclusive participation, consultation, the fight against corruption, transparency of political decisions and accountability by political stakeholders. In the context of minority rights, good governance is an essential element to guarantee that minority groups who do not hold dominant positions participate in and are fairly considered when taking political decisions. Good governance plays a fundamental role in preventing tensions and conflicts, as it guarantees participation and the civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights of all groups. 89. Persistent allegations of widespread political corruption are serious concerns that affect minority rights and require an unequivocal response from the Government at all levels to effectively address those practices. Anti-corruption agencies should be strengthened and the establishment of a comprehensive national plan against corruption as well as new legislation should be considered. Budgetary transparency must be fully implemented as a means to effectively monitor political decision-making processes and to provide accountability mechanisms. Political participation 90. It is of great importance to ensure representation of ethnic, religious and linguistic diversity at the different government levels. In order to guarantee equal participation at the federal level, the Federal Character Commission promotes the application of the federal character principle. Nevertheless, the Commission does not consider ethnic or religious elements, which leads many civil society groups to consider the principle of equal participation of the diverse groups ineffective in practice. The Special Rapporteur urges the Government to expand the scope of the federal character principle and the work of the Commission to include ethnic and religious identity. 91. Minorities, particularly minority women, are poorly represented in political life at all levels, especially at state and local governments. The Special Rapporteur notes the lack of information pertaining the situation and challenges faced by minority women, particularly in decision-making processes. Concrete and targeted measures are required to promote the active and effective political participation of women at all levels. Affirmative action measures to promote minorities and minority women in political life, including the use of quotas in political parties, should be considered. 92. The Special Rapporteur commends the Government for the establishment of the National Dialogue Conference 2014 as a nationwide forum where the diverse stakeholders gathered and discussed the current political, social, economic and cultural issues, including long-standing minority issues. She encourages the Government to continue providing similar platforms for an inclusive participation of groups in decision-making processes as meaningful ways to foster dialogue and find consensual solutions to minority issues. 20