IS NIGERIA TRULY DEMOCRATIC?

As I tuned in to the morning news today, I couldn't help but notice that the headlines of most newspapers were centered around Democracy. The reason? It's May 29th, 2017, another Democracy Day in Nigeria. However, this got me thinking and questioning the state of democracy in our country.

Looking back at history, after gaining independence on October 1st, 1960 (which some argue Nigeria wasn't fully prepared for at the time), things initially seemed to go smoothly in our nascent democracy. But, within five years, the unfortunate events of January 15th, 1966, unfolded. This was the successful military coup led by Chukwuma Nzeogwu, resulting in the tragic deaths of prominent Nigerian politicians, including Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Ahmadu Bello, and S.I Akintola.

The coup's objective was to correct societal ills, restore order through force, and eventually hand power back to an elected government. However, as the saying goes, "you don't know the behavior of a man until you give him power." This marked the beginning of a series of military interventions in Nigerian politics, which continued until 1999 when Olusegun Obasanjo was elected president, marking the start of the fourth republic. Since then, we've witnessed five successive civilian changes of government: Obasanjo (1999-2007), Yar'dua/Jonathan (2007-2011), Jonathan (2011-2015), and Buhari (2015-present).

Every May 29th has been designated as a day to commemorate the "restored democracy" of 1999. However, the democracy that emerged in 1999 seems to have become a government of, by, and for the wealthy elite. True democracy should reflect the well-being of the masses. We need to ask ourselves, what do ordinary citizens have to say about the government? How has the government improved the lives of the common people? Are the laws enacted in their favor? Are these leaders adhering to democratic principles? Have the promises made during election campaigns become a reality or remain mere words?

Let's examine the state of our education system, which offers little hope for the next generation unless those in power have a change of heart. Our healthcare system is in shambles; even the President had to seek medical treatment abroad. Why not improve our healthcare system to meet international standards and retain our skilled professionals? The majority of our people live in poverty, and locally produced goods are often more expensive than imported ones in a country blessed with abundant natural resources.

While the present government claims to be fighting corruption, all we seem to hear are mind-boggling figures that, if recovered, could significantly improve the lives of many citizens. However, none of the accused individuals have faced justice. We understand the need for a thorough investigation, but why not complete investigations before announcing accusations to the public? People continue to embezzle public funds, and the authorities seem to be only providing figures. Consider the case of Dasuki, which has been in court for over a year, and even during the last court session, he was reportedly not allowed to appear for undisclosed reasons. As they say, "justice delayed is justice denied."

Just a step beyond that—

Now, let's talk about the youth. What have we been doing? These older generations are steering our future, and we've been rather indifferent. Where are the young voices that should rise up against this? Are they the ones who don't care how money is made, whether legally or not? Or the ones in our universities who might resort to any corrupt means just to secure an SUE (Source of Unearned Income)? Perhaps they're the ones who have lost hope in our nation and would do anything to leave it behind? Where are the vibrant youth who can step up to the leadership challenge, echoing the likes of Awolowo, Nnamdi, and others?

It's high time for the youth to awaken from their slumber. It's time for action, time to rebuild our nation, time to restore our lost glory, and time to reclaim our democratic society. It's time to rise!

Please note that I don't generalize issues. Even though our dear country may have undemocratic aspects, there are sectors that are truly democratic, though overshadowed by the undemocratic, corrupt, and ill-intentioned majority.

As always, your opinion matters. Please like and share this message until it reaches the right hands.

God bless Nigeria because we are the essence of Nigeria!

Brighter days are on the horizon...