Socialist Nigeria: Democracy Is Just Not Working

Government of the nations across the world have devoted enough discussions and resources to the promotion of democracy as the best system of government. It is true that the origin of democracy from Greece Athens was perceived to have suited the Greek people and created an atmosphere where the citizens felt inclusive in the decision making process.

William Cho

Democracy itself is defined as the government majority. The choice of the highest number of people is made to prevail as the decision taken on behalf of the generality of the people. In modern times, democracy is seen as the government of the people, by the people and for the people. Most nations in Europe and Americas practice democracy.

Most democratic states are capitalist in nature, individuals and the state own the means of production, distribution and exchange. In this kind of society, there is a social stratification that result into class. The elites, the middle class and the poor.

In my country Nigeria, democracy was considered the best kind of government when compared to military rule which has done more harm than good to the nation. We were glad in the year 1999 when there was a transition from military government to civilian rule but the joy of transiting into democracy became sour.

Jill Wellington

The dividends of democracy seem far from the people. In my study of what democracy should be, the people are supposed to witness growth in road construction, education, electricity, health care, security of lives and property and other essential services. These expectations have been bewildered by dedicated carelessness, abandonment and nonchalant attitude by politicians. Instead, we have recorded high level corruption and embezzlement of public funds and so many wrong decisions taken against the people.

Nigeria's democracy is not a true reflection of the kind of democracy practiced in Athens, Greece. For instance, the people's choice during election does not result from the thoughts and actions of the people. It looks more like the whole process of electing public office holders have been purchased by the highest bidders. The essence of democracy is to allow people choose their own representatives but that objective have been violated in the Nigerian scene.

Socialism Is Most Preferable For Nigeria

Socialism is the economic and political system in which the means of the production, distribution and exchange is in the hand of the state. In this system, the class system is not in existence and no one is allowed to own properties or amass wealth.

Schuldnerhilfe

I would recommended this economic and political system for Nigeria because I think the politicians have much respect for money than humans. Whereas, in a socialist state, all treasure is kept in the custody of the state.

In a socialist state, the government is responsible for all essential services like education, health care, road, electricity and even feeding of the citizens but the citizens in return give their expertise to the government.

One very feature of socialist state that speaks volumes is that money is useless. In the socialist soviets republics (USSR), money was so useless that it was referred to as coloured paper. And truck full of money could only buy a loaf of bread.

Also, the socialist state does not encourage a class society. Hence, everyone is equal in status unlike the democratic states that practices capitalism and creates a society where there is class of people from the elites, middle class and the peasants.

The slogan:

The rich, getting richer; the poor, getting poorer.

Is a slogan of the capitalist and democratic state but in a socialist state, everyone is equal in social status and the national wealth is redistributed equally.