How would you grade Nigerian democracy?
Saturday, May 23, 2009
This week, Nigeria will mark ten years of uninterrupted democratic rule. In 1999, the then Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar handed over the reins of government to newly elected President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation has had its democracy severely tested in recent times.Earlier this month Nigerian soldiers fired shots and tear gas to disperse opposition demonstrators who vowed to challenge the result of elections in Ekiti State which were narrowly won by the governing People's Democratic Party (PDP).
The unrest was seen by many observers as Nigeria's biggest test since the 2007 federal election.
It's only two years until the the 2011 general election. Will Nigeria be able to emulate Ghana and South Africa and hold a trouble free election?
In what areas is Nigeria making progress? If you're in Nigeria, how has your life changed in the last ten years? Send us your views.
9 comments:
Corruption is now an industry in Nigeria
The results of the Ekiti elections is still being contested by the oppostion party
http://assemblyonline.info
Not all that encouraging but is better than dictatorship.
As far as I am concerned, there is no democracy in Nigeria and there is nothing to celebrate. Democracy we were taught in elementary school is the government of the people by the people and for the people but what we have in Nigeria is a government of the thieves by the thieves and for the thieves who steal people's mandate and silence them by killing or whatever means they deem fit. In the last ten years, the two presidents we have were not elected by the people but were selected and imposed.
You should not use the word 'democracy' and Nigeria in the same sentence. It is an oxymoron. Nigeria will become democratic when democracy no longer means democracy.
The history of the developed world is replete with war and strife, small steps in the long walk to democracy. Change has also been driven by economic growth and though politicians equate the latter with democratic institutions, one may argue the reverse. Nigeria does not have the underlying economic framework to support its nacsent democracy. It is moribund as it lacks the legitimacy of the ballot box - elections are still won by the person with the biggest pockets (to pay thugs and bribes with)
I'll tell you what- democracy does not talk hold in such a short space of time for countries that were colonised and only left for (unprepared) independence. Nigeria like many of its African neighbours is a working progress. Yes, there is fraud, and yes, there is corruption, but even democratic counrties like the UK still has that problems too!(MPs expenses- SAME THING! Corruption!)
To those who say "God help us"- You've asked for help and grace. Now act! He helps those who help themselves!
Nigeria under democracy have been hijacked by wickedness of the few, who do not have the posterity of the country at heart, but are after self aggrandisement. A folly of getting themselves and their families rich forever without contributing anything positive to grow the nation. We have leaders who can be best described as thieves and thugs ever willing to kill and maim to remain in power in thievery. It is a hopeless democracy - Just like the words of Fela Kuti - Demonstration of Craziness.
Nigeria has never held a single free and fair election. Britain rigged Nigeria's first democratic election back in 1960 in favor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa to ensure Northern Nigeria (whom Britain favored over South) retained post independence power. Since then, every election in Nigeria had been rigged in favor of whoever has the muscle, which usually turns out to be Northern Nigeria
Post a Comment