Nigerian Democracy: Government of the people, by the rich and for the upper class

Nigerian Democracy: Government of the people, by the rich and for the upper class

NEWS DIGEST – Abraham Lincoln’s purported definition of democracy, as taught in elementary classes, connotes “the government of the people, by the people and for the people.”. Lincoln made this statement in 1863 at the dedication ceremony of the national cementry at Gettysburg in the United states of America.

Though the words of  Lincoln were not aimed at defining democracy (He was referring to the kind of government he desired for Americans), the element of equality and egalitarianism in the statement made scholars adopt it as a widely acceptable definition.

So, the analysis of Lincoln’s words explains the collective involvement in governance and election of leaders (government of the people), the direct governance by the choices of the masses after a free and fair election (government by the people) and responsibility and accountability of the leaders to those who gave them the mandate (government for the people).

Nigerian democracy is a distorted version of the aforementioned analysis. The tenets of democracy; equality before the law, supremacy of the constitution, rule of law, liberty of the citizens and what have we, are more theoretical than practical in the Nigerian setting.
It is not erroneous to conclude that May 29 was set aside for the commemoration of something that is not in existence.

Just as every October 1st of is adored for the celebration of a semi- independence. Because, of what importance is an independence that doesn’t cut across the economic sector of a country?

Not to delve in to so much rhetorics, it’s pertinent to address the intricacies embedded in our ‘class-based’ democracy. The unconstitutional moves of the president, the remand of suspects in prisons without trials, the evasion of the law to suit/favour/ punish  for a political course are all evidences of a demo-like democracy.

Also, the issue of corruption has been a revolving one even when President Muhammadu Buhari made known his stance to combat corruption. Looting,  misappropriation and financial scandals are always on our national dallies. The judicial system has not helped matters as the delay tactics are most times employed in order to prevent justice from taking its course when it involves the rich.

Today should be a day of reflection for fellow countrymen to address the issues combating the dispensation of democracy in this country rather than celebrating what is not present. As a matter of fact, this is the 17th year of enjoying an uninterrupted democratic setting since the transition from military system of government in 2001.

It is high time our leaders are held accountable and responsible to the people and not their political parties or god-fathers. Nigeria should be able to boast of accountable leaders at the helms of affairs.

One of the major pillars of democracy is the freedom of the press, which is lacking in our country. Journalists should not be under any form of censorship if we desire a sane society. Several attacks have been launched against journalists in time past alongside threats emanating from news reportage. We can’t put the government on its toes if there is Press gag.

In all, let’s bear it at the back of our mind that as citizens of this noble country, we can make good governance work in this country if we give preference to merit above nepotism and favouritism when choosing subsequent leaders. With that, we can enjoy the dispensation of a government of the people, by the people and for the people.

Alfred Olufemi is a student journalist from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife. He is best reached via alfredolufemi75@gmail.com