BY RITA OYIBOKA
BEING a Nigerian is abysmally frustrating and unbelievably exciting.” These were the words of revered Nigerian author, Chinua Achebe in 1967. Fifty-seven years later, this poignant statement remains a fitting description of a nation that has navigated a tumultuous journey from military rule to democratic governance.
Nigeria’s recent celebration of 25 years of democracy is a significant milestone when several of its West African neighbours have been plagued by military coups. The fanfare was palpable, with brass bands filling the air and crowds cheering both for the president and the long-drawn haggle over the livelihoods of the nation’s civil servants. President Bola Tinubu’s viral ‘dobale’ move added a touch of levity to the occasion. Yet, beyond the pomp and circumstance, many Nigerians are left wondering: what is the true essence of this celebration?
Nigeria, the self-named giant of West Africa, has emerged from the shackles of military rule to embrace democracy. The Abacha regime, a dark chapter in Nigeria’s history, tried to suffocate the nation with its iron grip, but unwittingly ignited a fire of resistance.
On June 12, 1993, Nigerians dared to dream of a better future, electing Moshood Abiola, a visionary leader, in a free and fair election. But Abacha’s regime snatched away the victory, sparking outrage and cementing June 12 as a symbol of Nigeria’s unrelenting quest for democracy.
The regime’s attempt to extinguish the flame of hope only fueled the resistance, and a new chapter was unveiled with Abacha’s death in 1998. Nigeria then began its transition to democracy, culminating in the historic handover of power to a civilian government in 1999, with Olusegun Obasanjo at the helm.
A quarter of a century after Nigeria’s military handed over the reins to a civilian government, the nation is still grappling with the same fundamental issues that have plagued it for decades – poverty, insecurity, corruption, and poor governance.
Despite seven general elections, five presidents, and two dominant political parties, the country’s democracy seems to be stuck in a quagmire. It’s as if Nigeria has simply traded one form of authoritarianism for another, leaving citizens wondering if the country has made any real progress.
Nigeria’s democracy was hastily conceived, like a fire brigade response to a burning building. The country has been learning democracy on the job, often stumbling and fumbling along the way. The last 25 years have been a rocky journey, with democratic institutions established without a solid foundation in constitutionalism, free and fair elections, internal party democracy, and press freedom.
Today, Nigeria’s democracy has a transitional feel to it, like a work in progress that’s still finding its footing. The question on everyone’s mind is: will Nigeria finally find its democratic bearings and deliver on its promises to the people, or will it continue to stumble along, mired in authoritarian tendencies and political instability?
Nigeria’s governance comes with a hefty price tag, and it’s not just the cost of democracy that’s worrisome, but the extravagant spending habits of its political elite. Luxury cars, fat estacodes, and generous allowances have become the hallmarks of a culture of opulence, draining the nation’s coffers and perpetuating a cycle of corruption.
Speaking with The Pointer on the issue, a Multi-Award Winning Nigerian Youth Leader and Pan African Youth Advocate, Efe Eyela, highlighted the fault lines in Nigeria’s democracy, questioning the profligacy of the Executive and Legislative arms of government. “The gap between the leaders and the masses keeps widening. How can we expect meaningful progress and democracy when the people meant to steer the ship are not invested in the well-being of the citizens?
“It’s disappointing that despite complaints about excessive spending, those in power continue to use the country’s resources for luxury, exacerbating the fault lines in our democracy.”
He lamented the federal government’s need to invest in ventures that do not profit the nation, especially when average civil servants struggle to make ends meet and fuel prices soar. “The federal government must learn from Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilame, who rejected a $1.8 million invoice for new cars, opting for existing vehicles.
“Despite the FG decrying the excessive spending due to the now removed fuel subsidy, there still exists the splurging of billions on home renovation and vehicles for the creams amid widespread suffering.”
Eyela stressed the need to abandon luxury pursuits and redirect the budget to alleviate the impact of harsh policies, prioritizing the needs of the people and investing in a democratic and solution-oriented governance that improves the lives of the people.
This call is action is particularly poignant, especially at a time when the nation’s electoral system has become a ticking time bomb, threatening to implode the country’s democracy. While the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) struggles to conduct credible elections, a culture of impunity where politicians prioritize personal gain over public interest has been cemented. With 11,082 elective offices, personal aggrandizement trumps selfless service, making elections a lucrative business.
Politicians exploit loopholes, breaching campaign finance laws and manipulating the process to their advantage. Masterminds behind electoral violence escape prosecution, while their minions are bailed out without consequence. This perpetuates a cycle of corruption, undermining Nigeria’s democratic governance.
The quest for true federalism and a people-driven constitution remains elusive, with political leaders prioritizing personal interests over the people’s needs.
Even as local government election results are always suspiciously skewed in favour of the ruling party, raising questions about the integrity of the electoral process, it is no news that the most lucrative job in Nigeria is now in politics, attracting opportunists rather than patriots.
Meanwhile, Nigerians are struggling to survive in an economy that’s as unforgiving as a famished lion, with inflation rates soaring at 33.69% – a stark reminder that the system designed to serve them has failed miserably. The once-cherished right to vote has become a bargaining chip for daily sustenance, with many forced to trade their franchise or simply discard it like a worthless currency.
How can a democracy thrive when the fundamental right and process to elect and be elected is tainted?
In an interview, an academic with a PhD in Political Development, Dr Kelechi Udeogo voiced that the erosion of democratic principles is deeply rooted in the unchecked powers of political elites who manipulate the system to entrench their positions.
“The democracy in the country is far from perfect. Political leaders need to address the challenges faced by Nigerians, especially as poverty rates continue to rise, and prioritize the country’s public image to attract foreign investments.
“Reducing the cost of governance is a reasonable step that a responsible government could take, but the excess of political seats aimed at rewarding supporters of the ruling party only burdens citizens.
“As Nigerians, we often find ourselves caught in a cycle where we are unwilling participants in our subjugation, and our resilience alone cannot bring about positive change.
“It is evident that there is a leadership problem, and unless there is a change in government with leaders who genuinely care for the country, significant progress will be challenging to achieve.
“We witnessed the desire for change in February 2023, but the journey towards better governance and true is an ongoing journey,” she said.
In the land of a giant few and tall promises, Nigeria’s democracy is stumbling under the weight of its own flaws. The latest debate on extending the presidential tenure from four to six years has left many wondering if the country is taking a step backwards but what is the way forward?
“This fight is a shared responsibility,” is the response of the Ambassador-at-Large/Head of Diplomatic Mission of the International Human Rights Commission to Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah.
According to him, for democracy to work, it requires inter-agency cooperation among state governments as well as transnational cooperation and depends on effective joint work among a wide range of stakeholders, including the private sector.
“Nigerians should embrace the 2024 democracy day with solidarity to building open, responsive, and accountable institutions and processes. By doing so, they can have the opportunity to participate and have a voice in how they will be governed,” he said.
As we celebrate 25 years of democracy, it is imperative to take stock of these challenges and chart a course forward that strengthens our democratic institutions and addresses the root causes of our socio-economic problems.
The first step towards redemption lies in reinforcing institutional frameworks. A judiciary fortified against undue influence, and an electoral commission empowered to ensure free and fair elections—these are the bedrock of a democracy resolute against the tides of corruption.
Education, too, becomes a potent weapon in this battle. An informed populace is an empowered one, capable of demanding accountability and scrutinizing policy with a discerning eye. Investing in civic education from the grassroots up can nurture a generation of leaders and citizens who uphold the democratic ideals enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution.
In Nigeria’s democratic journey, there are no quick fixes. It demands collective action, from the corridors of power to the dusty streets where dreams are born. It requires leaders with the courage to champion deep-rooted reforms, citizens with the will to hold them accountable, and institutions fortified against the temptations of corruption.
Even as the fanfare of June 12 fades, Nigeria’s democracy remains a faulty foundation, cracked and crumbling under the weight of its own flaws. Can it be salvaged? Only time will tell, but for now, democracy’s rendition has struck a sour note for many with some calling back the days of martial music.
