Home | Articles | Nigeria Articles | IS THIS DEMOCRACY...?

IS THIS DEMOCRACY...?

By
Font size: Decrease font Enlarge font

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.

  • Email to a friend Email to a friend
  • Print version Print version
  • Plain text Plain text

Tagged as:

Nigeria, Africa, Hafiz Adeyemi Adisa, IS THIS DEMOCRACY...?, DEMOCRACY

Rate this article

0

Breaking News

Indicted Companies, Their Owners

Many highly placed Nigerians who own some of the companies indicted for fuel subsidy offences are likely to be arraigned in court this week The stage ...

Still a Killing Field

Fear and grief take the centre stage again in Jos after another round of crisis leading to the death of more than140 persons including two ...

Battle to Save LGs

A presidential committee headed by retired Justice Alfa Belgore suggests ways to salvage the nation’s local governments from the over bearing influence of state governors The ...

Twist in the Akpabio’s Murder Case

The family of the murdered Akpabio brothers rejects the setting up of a security committee to investigate the multiple murder incident and demands explanation for ...

Akwa Ibom Triumphs

Cross River State loses its bid to reclaim 76 oil wells which it lost through its declassification as a littoral state For Godswill Akpabio, governor of ...

Danger at the Door

Fear of religious war looms as Boko Haram sect targets churches and Christians for attacks T he   ordination   ceremony of Matthew Hassan Kukah as the Catholic ...

Danger at the Door

Fear of religious war looms as Boko Haram sect targets churches and Christians for attacks T he   ordination   ceremony of Matthew Hassan Kukah as the Catholic ...

Christians Have a Right to Defend Themselves

Gabriel Osu, monsignor and director of communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, speaks to Anthony Akaeze, assistant editor, on a number of issues relating to the ...

It’s Not a War Against Christians

Lateef Adegbite, secretary general, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, speaks to Dike Onwuamaeze, principal staff writer, and Ishaya Ibrahim, staff writer, on Boko Haram. Excerpts: Newswatch: ...

On the Rise Again

Cases of kidnapping are again on the increase in Imo State There is an upsurge in kidnapping in Imo State. The cases are much more than ...