Nigeria is a democratic Nation. In 1991 under a civilian government, Nigeria adopted a democratic system of government, in addition to a declaration of devotion to democracy. Nigerians embraced it astutely since the military rule had subjected the citizens and a sense of “Government of the people, for the people, and by the people” was sort for. Democracy was seen as a vital system of government necessary for promoting legitimacy, citizens’ first mentality by government in power, freedom of expression, and efficient decentralized government in which military regime could not ensure.
Over the years, the expected civilian democracy has not been able to meet expectations, in utmost, dismay there have been inequalities in the separation of power with the Northern part of Nigeria always trying to thwart their way by maneuvering political affairs. Also, there have being inequality in the distribution of “National cake” (resources) and a loquaciousness for due process. Thereby affecting the undeserving poor and feeble Nigerians.
- Advertisement -
A reason for the failure of democracy in Nigeria is because decision-making excludes the citizen’s full involvement in projects and having little or no access to the high court, this has continued for over two decades till now. To show the inefficiency of government’s performance under a democratic system, the government comes up with outrageous and UN-doable plans for the country ranging from 5 to 7 years plans time after time. To extreme dismay, they don’t achieve ¼ of what is written down on paper, this is revealed in Vision 2010 Plan Vision 2020 and the like.
In 2021, there was a protest against a specialized unit of the Nigerian Police force known as Anti-robbery Squad also known as SARS, the #EndSARS social movement which started from Twitter also became a life movement where youths took to the street for a peaceful protest against the brutality, extortion and oppressive nature of SARS on Nigerian Youth, the response of the governments to the situation was outside expectations. A lot of youths lost their lives, rather than addressing the demand made by the protesters, the government fined television stations that aired the protest, set up inquiry to look into the process excluding the protesters, and finally disbanded the squad. But still, participation in decision-making was denied to the people.
Despite the failure of Nigeria to deliver democracy, Nigeria is not a failed, fragmented unit. Therefore, an improvement in the defective system of government can catapult Nigeria to the utmost aim of Democracy as it was desired in the old in order to improve political, economic, social development.
- Advertisement -
