Nigeria returned to a democratic system of government in 1999 with Olusegun Obasanjo as president and Atiku Abubakar as vice-president under the umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The 21-year democratic journey in Nigeria has witnessed 16 years of PDP and five years under the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership. The question here, is Nigeria’s democracy effective?
Abraham Lincoln defined democracy as a government of the people, by the people, for the people. But democracy in Nigeria unlike the way Lincoln defined it, is characterized by a lot of irregularities which include election rigging, imposition of candidates as well as godfatherism. We have witnessed a scenario whereby governors were impeached, members of House of Representatives and Senate as well as state house of assembly members suspended for unjustified reason. Democracy in Nigeria is under threat because leaders in power are more concerned about how to achieve their goals rather than working for the success of those who voted them. With democracy, corruption has come to stay in the country; billions of dollars from the country’s treasury have been looted right from 1999 to date while citizens are dying of starvation, frustration and depression.
Despite being in a democratic era for 21 years, poverty is still walking naked in Nigeria. Youth unemployment is on increase. Other factors militating against the success of democracy in Nigeria include hate speech, scarcity of water, vote-buying, abandoned project, poor infrastructure among others.
Furthermore, the democratic system of government in Nigeria has come with a lot of insecurity across the country; Boko Haram insurgency, armed banditry and farmer-herder clashes are becoming a way of life in addition to extreme political interests and quest for power which have all brought disunity to our dear nation.
It is unfortunate that democracy has divided Nigerians across religions, tribes and regions. Instead of electing competent people into power, Nigerians do vote people from their communities just to suit their own interest even if they incompetent.
I therefore, call on Federal government to do all it takes to make democratic system of government effective in Nigeria and end insecurity.
Bilyaminu Gambo Kong-kol, Kano
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