DEMOS-CRAZY; NIGERIA, THE LAND OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

Oyeniyi Temiloluwa

Abraham Lincoln’s most acceptable and widely used definition of Democracy states that ‘Democracy is the government of the people, by the people and for the people.’

One may be inquisitive about the above assertion as to what he was thinking and why this of all definitions. But as an Academia, I would like to justify this assertion as to out of the people, some set of influential personalities were nominated by the people, to meet their social and economic needs. Therefore, the aim of every politician is to look forward to ensuring adequate welfare of the people because the goal of being an active participant in Nigerian politics is to elevate the national discourse to a level that stirs up the pot. But recently, Nigerians have begun to ask critical questions about their future such as; how can we elect the right kind of leader? How are we sure that the next four years journey won’t be full of maladies? What are the measures that can be taken to ensure corrupt leaders from recycling themselves into positions of leadership?

My sojourn through politics over the years has been marked by disappointment, frustration, and the realization that despite the fact that there were a few upright political figures like Mallam Aminu Kano, the vast majority of the characters in the political circles are there for their own selfish advancement. Having grand ideas is fine, but their execution requires a strong leader. And clearly, Nigeria’s principal problem has been identifying and putting in place that elusive leader.

Today, it would not surprise any close observer to discover that in this innate system, the same unsavory characters who have destroyed the country and looted the treasury are the ones able to run for the presidency. The question of choice in selecting a leader in Nigeria is often an academic exercise, due to the election rigging, violence, and intimidation of the general public, particularly by those in power, god-fatherism which is an archaic and corrupt practice, bribery, threats, murdering of oppositions and also by those with the means- the rich and influential.

However, there is no gainsaying that the Nigeria citizens are used against themselves to gain political prowess. And of course, it is disheartening to state that even the literates shout during campaigns and few years after obtaining the seats, they clamour with shackles in their hands. It is not uncommon for the youths to be used as political thugs when their futures are ruined with strikes, unemployment, inequality, poverty and nepotism, amongst others. Unknowingly, the illiterates clap their rights away for a bag of rice and wad of notes that doesn’t last for four years.

Shamelessly, the political naïve and illiterates are tripped by dividend of democracy – what should be a politician’s responsibility? I wonder why he was elected in the first instance – is it not to ensure development in his jurisdiction by ensuring the provision of social amenities? Didn’t we vote him in not to brag about giving back to the people but to ensure their welfare is guaranteed and not his pocket?

It is high time Nigerians reason to understand that democracy is meant to fight for their fundamental rights – that their Permanent Voter’s Card is not meant to praise the candidates but to decide what they aim for their future. It is high time they ponder their minds on the effectiveness, efficiencies, missions and visions of the ‘saviours’ of Nigeria.

If Nigeria is in trouble because of bad leadership, corruption, spate of religion and ethnic killings, disparity in the political sector and socio-economic degradation, then why do we exercise franchise? Why do we need PVC? Why do we commit violence in the name of self-oriented politicians? Why do we praise round trippers when we should cast them to death?

I do not expect reasonable answers to the above questions but a mindful heart craving for justice, a stone heart to resist violence, to refuse to succumb to bad leadership for a bag of rice, a mind anticipating for a good Nigeria.