Today, Nigeria marks Democracy Day, a celebration of its transition to democratic governance. However, despite progress, the nation still grapples with numerous challenges, threatening the very fabric of its democracy.
Though our nation gained independence from Britain in 1960, we have remained our own self-made colony through self-inflicted struggles with democratic governance due to civil unrests, nepotism, military coups and political instability.
Until 2018, Nigeria celebrated Democracy Day on May 29 to mark the transfer of power from military to civilian rule that took place in 1999. However, in 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari declared June 12 as the new Democracy Day to commemorate the annulled 1993 presidential election: an election that was considered the freest and fairest in Nigeria's history, won by Moshood Kashimawo Olanbiwonninu Abiola, CFR, MON, but annulled by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida.
Today, we are reminded of how the annulment led to widespread protests and political unrest. We are reminded of how that singular event is still considered one of the most controversial events in Nigeria's political history.
We are reminded that the problems of political manipulation of Nigeria's and Nigerians destinies that led to the birth of June 12 as a national public holiday are still very much prevalent.
Whe possibly is/are the best way(/s) to celebrate true democracy in Nigeria. Citizens, especially our politicians, must be called to the conscience of history. Nariomal looters must realize they are sitting on the blood of matyrs who lived andcdues for the transition to democracy; and the blood of the sacrifices of pro-democracy activists who fought to forge the nation and fought against military rule is crying for vengeance.
The best way to honor the memory of Chief MKO Abiola, and other past heroes and matyrs of Nigeria's democratic struggle is not through a holiday. It's through our lifestyle commitment to their values and virtues. The parades, speeches, and other events across Nigeria today are only a subtle loot of resources and a repeal of our collective wounds.
The Democracy Day is only necessary if it serves both as a reminder and reawakening of patriotism and sefless architecture of a brand new nation.
Some of the issues Nigeria faces include corruption, inequality, unemployment, insecurity, infrastructure deficits, political instability, economic mismanagement, to.mention a few.
These issues are fixable. Changing Nigeria's national anthem back to the old one may hold sentimental value for some, but it wouldn't directly address the country's multifaceted problems, economic, and governmental issues. The challenges facing Nigeria are deeply rooted in structural, political, economic, and social complexities that require comprehensive solutions. To tackle these challenges, the nation needs strong institutions, effective governance, economic diversification, investment in education and healthcare, infrastructure development, social reforms, and a genuine anti-corruption efforts, not like those fraudulent anti-corruption campaigns of previous administration(s).
Of course, national anthems are symbolic and can inspire national pride and unity, they don't address the underlying problems of Nigeria and Nigerians. It is all signs of failed leadership and misguided legislation. It reflects untowardness and distraction. Instead of that myopic stance, the narional lawmakers and legislators need a better evaluation or diagnosis of the nations illnesses and proffer multifaceted approaches to drive meaningful change and progress.
Our challenges are more real and manifest than the biblical works of the flesh. They are political corruption and impunity, electoral malpractices and voter suppression, ethnic and religious divisionsconomic inequality and poverty, insecurity and terrorism, poverty, food and job insecurity, weak institutions and lack of accountability, disconnection between leaders and citizens, etc.
In conclusion, it must suffice to say that there are ways out of these problems, and our politicians knows them. They are aware of the ways, and they know they are workable. But they are totally unwilling to see the masses liberated. The reason is simple: our political elites benefit from the pain and poverty of the Nigerian people. Keeping the masses in loyalty and subjection: an opportunism that has/is keeping our nation in pain, poverty and penury in the midst of surplus.
Friends and countrymen, I as I drop my pen, I am appealing to the conscience of all and sundry Nigerians for national change and repentance. We must all change our attitude to patriotism and demand our elected leaders to do the same. We must boldly demand that our leaders do the following:
1. Strengthen Institutions: Enhance the independence and effectiveness of institutions like INEC, Judiciary, and Anti-Corruption Agencies.
2. Electoral Reforms: Implement electronic voting, bio-metric registration, and transparent results collation.
3. Leadership Accountability: Ensure leaders declare assets, disclose finances, and face consequences for corruption.
4. Inclusive Politics: Promote women, youth, and minority participation in governance.
5. Economic Empowerment: Invest in education, entrepreneurship, and social welfare programs.
6. Security Sector Reforms: Professionalize security agencies, address terrorism, and protect citizens.
7. Active Citizenship: Encourage civic engagement, voter education, and advocacy.
8. National Dialogue: Foster unity through inclusive discussions on Nigeria's future.
9. Technology Leverage: Utilize technology to enhance governance, transparency, and accountability.
10. Value Reorientation: Emphasize patriotism, integrity, and the common good.
Nigeria's democracy can thrive if citizens, leaders, and institutions work together to address these challenges and implement solutions. Let's unite to build a brighter future.
Happy Democracy Day, Nigeria!
Dr. Simon Wale Olatunji
Global Hope Center
2321 S Beltline Rd Ste 144
Grand Prairie TX 75051 USA
Tel.: +1 407 360 8280
<simonolatunji@simonolatunji.com>
Comments