A maxim in law states that those who go to equity must go with clean hands. The thinkers who made the above statement are not just being philosophical; it is the ideal situation to be able to obtain justice in the law courts. In Nigeria, democracy is not synonymous with true freedom. Our partially sighted politicians and elder statesmen claim that Nigerians love democracy.
What is happening in Nigeria is not the dictionary definition of democracy as practiced in civilized countries. Democracy in Nigeria is a tool or weapon to enslave and oppress the docile majority who has no say on how they are governed. When the politicians and those who gain from our brand of democracy cajole our youths to go out en-mass and be mowed down by thugs of political gladiators in their prime at the polling booths, do we call that democracy?
Sarcastic comments by elder statesmen that cannot particularize instances that would make Nigerians love democracy should be avoided by all means. Is it the epileptic power supply that will make Nigerians love democracy? The demons mowing us down in our prime in the name of Nigerian brand of democracy, unleashing violence, ballot box-snatching, assassinations, murders, arson, vote buying, and all the evils you cannot find in civilized democracies.
Is that the dictionary definition of democracy? Some smart politicians call it “Nascent democracy”, an open advocacy to pull the wools over our eyes as they continue to plunder us blindfolded in ignorance. Their own democracy is the partway to achieving their selfish aims and objectives of unbridled wealth acquisition, power and influence to build family political dynasties.
Such leaders cannot be trusted. Why make a crack about your opponent’s perceived weakness with no evidence to substantiate such spurious allegations just because some misguided individuals do so to score cheap popularity. That is what uncontrolled desire can do to diminish someone’s reputation. Uncontrolled desire is an extreme to be guarded against. We were taught that if one wants to win a tough battle, being overly rigid in your thinking and in your habits will not get you to the top. It is not always a straight shot to success.
John R. Jimoh
Sagamu