Nigeria: Another Knock for Democracy
By Daniel Kanu
17 June 2009
opinion
Lagos — The national executive of the Association of Political Scientists of Nigeria (APSN) met recently to do an assessment of the nations 10 years of unbroken democracy. The body's verdict after a critical and interpretative survey of Nigeria's democratic experiment was that, the country is still many years removed from the practice of real democracy.
The dearth of credible governance has unquestionably been the bane of democratic governance in post-colonial Nigeria. Restoring credibility in governance is thus a necessary condition for achieving sustainable developmental democracy in the country.
Prof. Sam Egwu, APSN President is of the view that looking at the relevant indices of democracy, it has been elusive "As political scientists, our primary responsibility is to examine and audit the Nigerian state in terms of its performance. We are interested in the extent to which the state is committed to the people, in terms of delivering basic services, promoting the national political objective of unity and integration, advancing collective welfare and creating an environment in which Nigerians can grow to their fullest potentials.
"On the basis of these expectations, we are of the opinion that having had successive experience of failed democracy and termination of civil rule by the military; that these 10 years present an opportunity for us to learn and do things better and differently. Unfortunately, this is not happening, because virtually everything is wrong.
"At the pace at which we are going, there is no indication that we are really on course. We can celebrate 10 years of uninterrupted civil rule and three successful elections our worry is that, democracy involves broad rules and consensus about the goals of the wider community, which leaders have failed to respect" Egwu had submitted.
Looking back, it has been difficult for Nigerians to believe whether the great expectation that trailed the change of leadership baton from the military to their civilian counterpart has been worth-enjoying, especially as regards commitment to democracy by those handling the clutches of power.
The year 1999, it would be recalled marked a turning point in the Nigeria's chequered history when the country returned to a democratic system after a long sojourn under the military ascendancy. Since democracy has to do with peoples' participation in running the affairs of the state, it is therefore expected that the country's scorecard on the benefits of democratic governance should be high.
Citizens' fundamental rights, improvement in the rule of law, transparency and accountability can only be guaranteed within the ambit of good governance, a platform provided through genuine democratic process. This is because good governance is also characterised by the principle of participation, transparency and accountability as well as equity amongst several others.
Unfortunately, political instability which military rule has induced appears to be at the heart of all our violence and incoherence. The military by gaining legitimacy through violence, have psychologically elevated and institutionalised violence as part of the artifacts on the altar of the quest for power at all levels. That is why for any loser, waiting till tomorrow for another election is seen as an exercise in futility.
The Nigerian Politician appears to have no time for the thought of being a gallant loser or a magnanimous victor, which are the bricks for the foundation on which democracy is built. He can only take responsibility for winning, but not for losing. This is because to them losing an election is the handiwork of evil extra-terrestrial species or their agents.
Marietu Tenuche, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Kogi State University and Treasurer of APSN believe that the most disadvantaged group has been neglected.
"Even though I do not want to sound pessimistic, we make bold to say that all is not well. Disadvantaged people, that is, women, children and the physically challenged are worse off than they were in 1999. It is unfortunate that the optimism that greeted the return of democracy has been dashed. People are becoming disillusioned.
"There is lack of political will by government to empower women. The Uwais Committee recommends that more women be allowed to participate at the leadership level of political parties, as well as in the compositing of the national electoral body. Such recommendations were thrown out".
Tenuche observed further "On women representation since 1999, what we have, so far, is not true representation. We have a situation whereby daughters and wives of influential people are getting nominated. It only shows that where the men are willing to make concessions, women can come in. Where they want members of their families to come in, they have been able to do that successfully, even though these women do not belong to the larger women society and may not really understand our problems.
"It is a different thing compared to somebody who has experienced poverty, domestic violence, lack of access to education and basic healthcare. They can keep talking about it, but they are not the true representatives of the people".
Ben Nwosu of the Department of Political Science, University of Nigeria, Nsuka (UNN) and Assistant Secretary, APSN says "The extent to which governance conforms to popular will, which is the essence of democracy is yet to manifest. What we have is civil rule, a situation of civilians ruling by representation, which is just one index of what democracy ought to be. We cannot lay claim to other indices of democracy".
According to Nwosu, "One important area where we have missed it is that of the constitution. Being the frame work of governance, the constitution is like a compass. If you have the right compass, and you are navigating, it is likely to take you precisely to where you're going. With a wrong compass, you could miss your way".
The most urgent issue in Nigeria currently is the issue of democracy, understood not only as an end to military rule but also as the establishment of responsive and responsible political institutions, which promote a government that is accountable, prevent corruption, respect human and civil rights, ensure popular sovereignty and deliver dividends.
The way forward is that the basic institutions of democracy must be strengthened and there should be a commitment to all ethics of democracy. The majority is of the view that the first way to begin is for the government to consider the recommendations of the electoral reform committee and abide by it.
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