IS THIS DEMOCRACY...?
To many people, democracy is a representative system of government that allows people to vote for the leaders of their choice through a free and fair election. Yes, that is true! In 'civilised' societies, democratic government encourages the rule of law, separation of power, equality before the law, supremacy of the law and civil liberty. But in Nigeria, the reverse is now the case and these are not necessarily important, as the lives of ordinary citizens are not secured. Is this democracy, where corruption without trial is the priority of the so-called democratically elected leaders? Where judiciary is not but a mere institution, where government has failed to create new jobs, and therefore, making the youths to be restless and to be easily used for dirty uncivil acts.Taking a closer look at it, it’s glaring that the kind of democracy in Nigeria is quietly different because there is no recognition for judiciary. Furthermore, how can one explain a situation whereby supremacy of the law is not taken into account before cruelly acting? Ostensibly, there are certain set of Nigeria leaders who are actually above the law and Nigeria government can not tamper with them or their properties or relatives for going beyond what the law of the land stipulates. Some of these leaders have been invited to hearings and they refused to appear, and yet they are making their ways- living comfortably while many ordinary Nigerians are being punished for the crimes these insidious leaders committed. When Obasanjo assumed the power as the president of Nigeria in May 1999, there was a glaring and indisputable relief in the faces of millions of Nigerians, anticipating that the end has come to their sufferings, pain etc, not knowing that they’ve just commenced the journey to the land of poverty, unemployment and insecurity. No doubt, Obasanjo’s regime witnessed problems (austerity) upon austerity as the entire population is languishing in poverty day in and out while the wealthiest are enjoying the dividends of democracy they never fought for. There was misuse of office, abuse of power—or how can one explain the Odi massacre where Nigeria Army aggressively destroyed the whole community? Have we all forgotten the incident at Ikeja Military Cantonment that claimed thousands of lives of ordinary Nigerians? The present democratic government in Nigeria is just an unfortunate one controlled by the political opportunists and political juggernauts, who paraded themselves as “messiah” Nigerians need.
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