Rethinking Democracy in Nigeria: Reform, Not Replacement

Maybe Democracy is such a good thing, maybe it isn't but one thing I'm very sure of is that it is a very important aspect of government that we so much adore even when we don't live up to the expectancy of the definition we were taught.

I can never forget the definition of Democracy and I doubt anyone from my country will either because it was one of those definitions engraved in our mind subconsciously.
It will be defined as the government of the people, for the people and by the people" sounds like a rhyme right? And I guess that was why we never let go of that definition.

Holding on to this definition, the world will be a better and splendid place to be in but then, do we even practice by the rules of this definition? Do we even have those people who by the definition aspect, "By the People" will take care of making sure all man gets what's their due in the government? Because without that, no one can effectively render democracy.

My country, Nigeria, returned to democracy in 1999 after the series of military dictatorship reshaping our country's economic , political and social life. But then, with the happenings in the country, I'm sure and I might not be the only one that constantly ask myself, has Democracy truly helped the wellbeing of our people? Or is it only democracy on paper, with very little to show in practice? And some other times, I find myself asking, "Will recolonization benefit us more?

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One thing I would ever be grateful for that democracy gave us was the freedoms of speech, expression and participation because under the military regime, you dare not parade those freedoms.
But again, in recent times, are we really enjoying these freedoms? Because how can you say we have these freedoms on papers but then whenever one tries to use them, they are mysteriously charged with many things and find themselves chilling in the prison.

Democracy offered us inclusiveness into electing our leaders through voting and decision-making involvement. Again, I will ask, are we really part of the decisive figures? We queue for hours just to vote our choice of candidate but do they count?

In as much as I have many unanswered questions about the practice of Democracy in my country, The truth is that democracy is not a perfect system anywhere in the world. Coming to our country Nigeria, what makes ours look very bad is just because of the lack of commitment and patriotism in our leaders, making democracy look like the problem whereas the real devil are the transactional political culture we have amidst other things and not democracy itself.

An alternative system of government? Nah! I don't think so. We've tasted military dictatorship and were left with scars. The aim should be to reform our Democracy! To get the right minds and right people to lead us! To have accountability in Government.

In summary, while we've not gained it all through democracy, it remains the most hopeful system for us all.

Thanks for reading and have a nice day ahead 👍