TakingITGlobal - Panorama - Is this Democracy?

Published on: Jun 16, 2003

Topic:

Type: Opinions

https://www.tigweb.org/express/panorama/article.html?ContentID=1438

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 in 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. Or 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 bastard 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 Nigerian, 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 are languishing in poverty day in and out while the fittest are enjoying the dividends of democracy (which they never fought for) in their pocket.

There was misuse of office, abuse of power—or how can one explain Odi massacre where Nigeria Army aggressively destroyed the whole community? Have we all forgotten the incidence at Ikeja Military Cantonment that claimed thousands of lives of ordinary Nigerians? The present democratic government in Nigeria is just an unfortunate relic one controlled by the political opportunists and political juggernauts, who paraded themselves as the “messiah” Nigerians need.

Besides, I strongly believe that the present politicians in the political arena in Nigeria are the kind that harbours undue animosity against their fellow Nigerians and therefore do needless damage to national unity. It’s quite unfortunate that Nigeria governments accommodate bunch of criminals, corrupt leaders, crooks etc, who would nail integrity on the cross of cheap populism by condemning other politicians – posting themselves as the “angels”.

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by Afeez Adeyemi Adisa
Published on: Jun 16, 2003
Topic:
Type: Opinions
https://www.tigweb.org/express/panorama/article.html?ContentID=1438


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 in 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. Or 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 bastard 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 Nigerian, 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 are languishing in poverty day in and out while the fittest are enjoying the dividends of democracy (which they never fought for) in their pocket. There was misuse of office, abuse of power—or how can one explain Odi massacre where Nigeria Army aggressively destroyed the whole community? Have we all forgotten the incidence at Ikeja Military Cantonment that claimed thousands of lives of ordinary Nigerians? The present democratic government in Nigeria is just an unfortunate relic one controlled by the political opportunists and political juggernauts, who paraded themselves as the “messiah” Nigerians need. Besides, I strongly believe that the present politicians in the political arena in Nigeria are the kind that harbours undue animosity against their fellow Nigerians and therefore do needless damage to national unity. It’s quite unfortunate that Nigeria governments accommodate bunch of criminals, corrupt leaders, crooks etc, who would nail integrity on the cross of cheap populism by condemning other politicians – posting themselves as the “angels”. « return.