No More Promises
NO MORE PROMISES
Synopsis The theme of this essay “A democracy that delivers” is an apt one coming in the wake of Nigeria’s emerging democracy. This essay titled “No more promises” discusses democracy and its operations in Nigeria where I live. It examines governance in Nigeria within the context of the challenges of returning to a democratic system of governance after many years of military rule. It looks at citizens’ expectations and how far they have been met in ten years of a new democratic dispensation. It links democracy with participatory government and critically assesses the role of the Nigerian youth in ensuring that the dividends of democracy are enjoyed by the ordinary man on the street. Finally, the essay ends on a note of call to action and proposes recommendations for youth involvement in building a truly democratic Nigerian society. Introduction I turn on my tap in the morning and water fails to gush!! (Electricity has become scarce and my generator has stopped working after acting as alternate power supply for one week!) Elsewhere in the city, a mother lets out a loud wail!!!Her baby has died (the Government hospital staff has been on strike for two weeks and there is nobody to attend to her ailing child). A commuter reaches into his rucksack for his mobile phone and alas, it has developed wings. Apparently a pick pocket needs his phone more than he does (It all boils down to the fact that millions of Nigerian youth are not gainfully employed). Year 2011- Elections are around the corner and a group of people are discussing; “I have never voted, what use is it anyway? “Nigerian Politicians are not sincere”. I resignedly turn off my television set as I see yet another old recycled politician on screen, making promises that I know will amount to naught. Abraham Lincoln’s definition of democracy at Gettysburg as ‘a government of the people, by the people, and for the people’ is brought to question. In Nigeria today, there is serious citizen apathy and
Synopsis The theme of this essay “A democracy that delivers” is an apt one coming in the wake of Nigeria’s emerging democracy. This essay titled “No more promises” discusses democracy and its operations in Nigeria where I live. It examines governance in Nigeria within the context of the challenges of returning to a democratic system of governance after many years of military rule. It looks at citizens’ expectations and how far they have been met in ten years of a new democratic dispensation. It links democracy with participatory government and critically assesses the role of the Nigerian youth in ensuring that the dividends of democracy are enjoyed by the ordinary man on the street. Finally, the essay ends on a note of call to action and proposes recommendations for youth involvement in building a truly democratic Nigerian society. Introduction I turn on my tap in the morning and water fails to gush!! (Electricity has become scarce and my generator has stopped working after acting as alternate power supply for one week!) Elsewhere in the city, a mother lets out a loud wail!!!Her baby has died (the Government hospital staff has been on strike for two weeks and there is nobody to attend to her ailing child). A commuter reaches into his rucksack for his mobile phone and alas, it has developed wings. Apparently a pick pocket needs his phone more than he does (It all boils down to the fact that millions of Nigerian youth are not gainfully employed). Year 2011- Elections are around the corner and a group of people are discussing; “I have never voted, what use is it anyway? “Nigerian Politicians are not sincere”. I resignedly turn off my television set as I see yet another old recycled politician on screen, making promises that I know will amount to naught. Abraham Lincoln’s definition of democracy at Gettysburg as ‘a government of the people, by the people, and for the people’ is brought to question. In Nigeria today, there is serious citizen apathy and
References: 1. ”Why Corruption persists in Nigeria” Newspaper, June 15, 2010 2. www.enoughisenoughnigeria.com 3. Victor E. Dike (2003) “Barriers to true democracy in Nigeria”. 4. Kayode Ajulo & Co. Castle of Law (2009) - 10 Years of ‘Democracy’ in Nigeria 5. Akanle O. Basil (Dec 21, 2007) “Democracy under the shadow of corruption in Nigeria: A reflection on some issues and way forward”. 6. Afrobarometer Briefing Paper No. 46 (July 2006) “Performance and Legitimacy in Nigeria’s New Democracy”. -Luke Onyekakeyah The Guardian 8 9