18th year of democracy. What is it to celebrate?
This is the 18th year of democracy rule in Nigeria. On the 29th of May we marked this great achievement, that is to say Nigeria is an adult teenager democratically, which means that we should no longer be regarded as a minor in democracy. But is that really the case? What are we actually celebrating about democracy? Is it the epileptic power supply? The bad road network which seems to be a death trap? Is it the diversity between the ethnic groups ? We have Oduduwa Republic and Biafra agitations for secession . Is it the inflation of food prices? Is it the "jungle" relationship between the three arms of government who are suppose to be at the helm of affairs in the country ? Or is it the recent rumor of an impending coup de etat of the boys in khaki (militicians)? Have we really done much to justify our practice of democracy in Nigeria? All this to mention but a few .
Are we following the culture and ideology of democracy according to Abraham Lincoln ,who saw democracy "as government of the people ,by the people and for the people. That pretty much cannot be said to be. The case in Nigeria where democracy just serves the interest of the few elites ,thereby coining democracy to be " government of the elites,by the elites and for the elites." The interest of the people are of little or no concern to the rulers .Are we in an advanced stage of oppression and aristocracy ? When will the interest of the people be considered when laws, decisions,bills are enacted ? When will leaders been enforced on us during elections stop? When will our views,point and interest be considered ?
Nigeria is now an adult democratically and this is indeed the time we start thinking and acting as one. The era of us being mocked by other countries has to stop, we have to start impacting our environment, our country and the world at large. As the government mantra goes "change begins with me" let's live by that and the sky will be our starting point.