Need to imbibe tenets of democracy in Nigeria

The dominance and prevalence of democracy as a popular form of government cannot be isolated from man’s inalienable right to freedom in its various ramifications which democracy espouses as a culture. Today, democracy in Nigeria is seriously taking a different dimension which is really becoming a source of worry. In Nigeria today, the essence of democracy and political governance including media being an agent of social change as well as how democracy should be practiced have been arrested over the years.

As the country celebrates her democracy day yesterday, it is imperative to ensure that the tenets that come with democracy are strikingly put into cognizance and not in the other way round. This is so because Nigeria is practising democracy, but it is not willing to adhere to the tenets that come with it. Democracy is a system of government that enables people to have a say, it is a system of government that allows people to exercise their franchise without fear. It is not a system of government where people seize power through the barrel of guns the way it is in Nigeria. The country should not only advocate and celebrate democracy day, but should look towards inculcating the tenets of democracy.

I think this is the more reason why a French philosopher Roseau articulated that democracy is base on social trust, a government and political system whose legitimacy is based on trust especially on the general well being of the electorates. In a democratic system of government, the power lies with the electorates but in Nigeria, the opposite seems to be the case.

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Truly speaking, Nigeria needs a participatory democracy, which thrives best in a climate where freedom creates room for dialogue and all voices-concordant and discordant-are heard. Where dialogue is enabled and enhanced through the media, the needs and desire of a diverse population are easily crystallized positively into a governing consensus that adds value. As gleaned above, freedom of speech is a precondition for true democracy and consensus which leads citizens into an open discussion of national issues without fear and intimidation.

In short, freedom and true democracy is achieved when the citizens are empowered in every sense, economically, politically and socially. With the continued deprivation and negligence of the citizen’s pride, democracy is said to be misused. Without an ideal system of democracy in a country, independence can simply be a neo-colonialism, where few benefit while the rest of the masses are left in the home of penury.

One of the major issues bedeviling democracy in Nigeria is the nagging concept of political godfathers in the various political parties in Nigeria. The concept of godfatherism and absence of the rule of law are indeed affecting the success of democracy in this country. Thus, if all the political actors and players adhere strictly to the rule of law, we would not be having issues of dictatorial acts or problems with the so called Nigerian democracy. Democracy in Nigeria must not remain a game theory where the masses or the electorates are deceived by Nigerian leaders.

Aondover Eric Msughter,  Kano.