Democracy Day: Mixed Reactions Greet Sectoral Dev

As Nigeria marks the 2015 edition of Democracy Day, a cross section of Nigerians have expressed their views on Democratic Governance in the country in general and Rivers State in particular.
While most of them are happy over the achievements recorded so far in terms of development in the various sectors of the economy, others expressed disappointment and dissatisfaction with the performance of Nigerian leaders in the delivery of democratic dividends to the people.
For Mr. Benneth Igia, a Political analyst, ‘Nigeria as a country has groaned under corrupt leadership over the years, and this has resulted into stunted development in education, health, agriculture utilities and social infrastructure.
“Nigeria has no reason to be poor because of the enormous natural and human resources we have, but poor leadership has kept us where we are”.
The socio-political analyst and social commentator, said, “Rivers State, as the Treasure Base of the Nation, does not also reflect that identity in terms of development.
“The political leadership in the state has equally been swayed by distractions and infighting that disrupted genuine economic growth in the state, he said.
In his views, Mr. Patrick Court, a civil servant, thanked God for keeping Nigeria as a united, indivisible country, despite all the predictions that the country will break up.
‘I am very happy that Nigeria remains one country despite all the fears that the country may disintegrate in 2015. I am happy over the outcome of the 2015 general elections, and I particularly commend President Goodluck Jonathan for conceding defeat. My advice to our political leaders is to concentrate on provision of social services for Nigerians, diversify the economy through agriculture and create jobs for the teeming youth in the country”, Court said.
Akanimo Udosen, a Commercial motorist also commented on the state of the Nigerian economy and that of Rivers State.
“To me, the politicians have failed us, they do not care about the poor people, and they steal all the government money for themselves and their children, and leave the people to suffer.
“We cannot buy common fuel that is produced in Nigeria, and some of us, taxi drivers, are out of business, there is hunger everywhere, civil servants are not paid”, he said.
“I want the government to do something about all these pains, the common man has lost trust in our political leaders”, Udosen added.
Another commercial motorists, Mr. James Atausi, said governments at both the Federal and state levels have not done well for the people, especially in the provision of power supply.
He said there has been no improvement in power supply despite the promises made by governments to improve power.
Atausi was also concerned about growing insecurity in the country.
“We want the government to address the issue of insecurity in the land. Boko Haram has been killing Nigerians, and the government has not done enough to stop them; most people are leaving Nigeria for fear of being killed,” he added.
Elijah Tomii, a hotelier, said cost of living in the country is very high, and that most Nigerians cannot afford to make ends meet.
He said the governments at the national and state levels should invest in agriculture and engage rural farmers in more productive agricultural activities to boost food sufficiency in the country.

Taneh Beemene