Nigeria’s 10 years Democracy: Experience & Expectations

''Our enemies are the political profiteers, the swindlers, the men in high and low places that seek bribes and demand 10 percent; those that seek to keep the country divided permanently so that they can remain in office as ministers or VIPs at least, the tribalists, the nepotists, those that make the country look big for nothing before international circle; those that have corrupted our society and put the Nigerian political calendar back by their words and deeds. Like good soldiers, we are not promising anything miraculous and spectacular. But what we do promise every law-abiding citizen is freedom from fear and all forms of oppression, freedom from general inefficiency and freedom to live and strive in every field of human endeavour, both nationally and internationally. We promise that you will no more be ashamed to say that you are Nigerians. ''

That was an abridged text of the first coup broadcast of late Major Kaduna Nzeogwu as contained in Richard Akinola's book The Story of Coup D' etats in Nigeria (pg. 21)after the Army Major ceased power, precisely January 15, 1966. Those comments then left us with the impressions that civilian government was corrupt and lacked the capacity to direct the Nigerian state to its place of pride— a reaction which necessitated military interregnum, with the perception to correct all the wrongs in the country's political landscape. Although this military option exposed Nigeria to encounter different coups and counter coups and making many attempted democratic rule abortive in the yester years.

However, many stakeholders from different circles like the student union, trade unions, market women, media practitioners, religious bodies etc, totally kicked against the military administration to be at the helms of affairs of political leadership, having tested and experienced the two systems of government (military/civil). They also buttress their points through references to successful western economies with the claim that their system over their gives room for the will of the people to triumph, through popular and genuine representation at all tiers of government as enshrined in democratic tenets. These strong believe and agitations have undoubtedly guaranteed Nigeria an uninterrupted civil rule since May 29, 1999 to date. But unfortunately most of those that fought for the existing democracy are far from benefiting from it.

Again the shortcomings in the entire Nigerian state have often time been attributed to the failure of the military while they were in government; a submission which I don't completely subscribed to. It is astonishing however, to hear the military accusing the civilian govt of corruption, electoral malpractices, unnecessary bureaucracies and other vices, which have always been their excuses for taking part in politics, but the civilian government would also lay accusing fingers to the long military rule as reasons for stagnancy in national development and progress, but I know Nigerians are sufficiently aware of style of government most favourable to them.

With the adoption of democracy as the best and most acceptable style of government by the majority of Nigerians, we would have been unfair as a country to have tied all the major setbacks in the country on the military in the course of their 30-year rule. Records put it right that some major trunk roads were built by the military, airports, hospitals, bridges (especially 3rdMainland and Niger Bridge) refineries and even the Presidential seat of power (Aso Rock). Military also made some major breakthroughs in the peace keeping missions and doing Africa proud, it again opened opportunities for private media ownership in the broadcast sector; Ray power, AIT, DBN, Minaj, Channels TV, Silverbird, Rhythm etc are some of the prominent beneficiaries of this privatisation that the broadcast media witnessed. Even the democracy we are all celebrating today the military mid-wived it and also created an enabling environment for it, also in recent times under democratic rule some elections are monitored by them to avoid the breakdown of law and order.

I will have to appreciate Chinedu Akuta (UK resident and leader of Support Option A4 Group)in his publication when he exclaimed and gave retrospective view of Nigeria democracy after 10 years: ''Sincerely speaking, the only gain we have got in the past 10 years of democracy in Nigeria is simply that we have had a civilian regime. Besides it has not been truly civilian in the true sense of it. 8 years out of the last 10 years (Obasanjo's administration) was a quasi military government because Obasanjo ruled Nigeria like a military head of state. The true civilian rule started since Yar'Adua took over as the president of Nigeria. Whatever positive changes that have taken place since 1999 like improvement in communications, banking reforms, NAFDAC war against fake drugs etc are worthy to be commended. However, I don't like praising any administration past or present for any positive policy. This is because governance is all about improving people's welfare. Therefore when government do their work I don't praise them. ''

Moreover, I am always appreciative to the immediate past President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo who in his purposeful initiative paid off Nigeria's age long and accumulated debt to the international monetary institutions, this again is a key milestone for Nigeria democracy. Meanwhile, we recently heard via the Nigeria local media that one of the past elected leaders of Nigeria said he was not elected to build roads, fix power supply or provide potable water; and, therefore, because he was not, he did not. If those comments credited to that particular leader were true, there couldn't have been a more succinct admission of failure or a more eloquent restatement of it in such no uncertain terms.

Laughable indeed to hear that our parliamentarians are planning to spend N159 million for the celebration of democracy day, we need more than just a jamboree, Nigerians want meaningful development in all facets of life. No wonder the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties on the 24th of May 2009 through its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Osita Okechukwu declared a one-week of mourning for democratic practice in Nigeria, saying the country was dangerously sliding into a one party state explaining that the last 10 years experience of Nigeria democracy could only be classified as “10 Locust years.”

Frankly speaking Nigeria 10 years uninterrupted democratic rule by now should have been able to cater for all the basic needs of life which bothers on good roads, good health amenities, cutting edge facilities at academic institutions and research centres, approval of labour's demands, friendly framework in the petroleum sector for the marketers and the consumers, reliable and uninterrupted power supply, genuine/acceptable electoral reform, freedom of information, equitable distribution of wealth, justice and fairness. I would have also expected the government to have amicably addressed the unrest and restiveness in the Niger Delta region without recourse to bloodshed or military offensive. Our 10 years democracy should have empowered the anti graft agents to dispassionately prosecute the high and the mighties and bring them to justice.

Even as I use this medium to congratulate His Excellency President Umaru Yar'Adua and his able Vice President His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, in the celebration of Nigeria democracy at 10, and as first President and vice with higher University degrees and I believe you equally have value for education and appreciate constructive criticisms. I implore you to please refuse to pander to the tantrums and vituperations of the political quislings and sycophants. Your awesome pedigrees as class teachers and Ex-Governors are so enviable and robust; it won't do you right and your reputable good offices, if you allow some unseen forces to derail you from your good intentions for Nigeria and friends of Nigeria, the results of the 7-point agenda have tarry so much. May God bless you and strengthen you more to deliver accessible democracy dividends to millions of Nigerian masses who found it difficult to feed and live.

God bless Nigeria!
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