Nigeria’s Democracy – The Way Forward -By Virtues Et Laurea

19 years ago, a new nation, conceived in liberty, was brought forth when its inhabitants were set free from the handcuffs of men and women in Khaki.

Dishearteningly, since the inception of the current democratic dispensation, Nigeria still battles with the practice of genuine democracy as there has been so much of retrogression if the very essence of governance is underscored. Nigeria has remained laggard in the political and socio-economic aspects of life. More so, the citizens have been misrepresented on account of the unspeakable horrors of the political elites which has resulted in social injustice, penury, unemployment, etc.
Democracy is an expression an average Nigerian is conversant with. Abraham Lincoln conveyed the breviloquent definition during his famous Gettysburg speech on 19 November, 1863, with its ending – “government of the people, by the people, for the people”. It is therefore the “government of the people” when the citizens are focal to issues pertaining to their governance, “by the people” when sovereignty belongs to the people from whom the government derives its power and authority, and the “government of the people” when elected representatives implement their duties without compromise.

In that wise, true democracy ought to be people-centric; the people are at the very core. A democratic government, therefore, is to ensure the participation of the people, as well as an adherence to the Fundamental Human Rights of the people as stipulated in Chapter Four (Section 33 – 43) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. One may ask thus: has the government so far been able to be a state based on the principles of democracy and social justice?

As 2019 elections approaches, how many of us have gotten our Permanent Voters Card (PVC)? How many of us are willing to enlighten and encourage eligible citizens to participate and take advantage of their rights to vote, which will reduce political apathy? How many of us make an effort to demand for accountability from our representatives at all levels of government?

Are we awakening the minds of the young and old on the negative effects of electoral violence? If the answers to these questions are positive, then we can proudly conclude that we are moving unto greater heights. If otherwise, we are only moving in circles. If our democracy must progress, we must have to will to demand and engage in all the activities that enhances it!