June 12: Stakeholders Rate Nigeria’s  Democracy Low

As Nigeria celebrates its 26 years of unbroken democracy today, some stakeholders have expressed regrets that the system is yet to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the Nigerian populace.

Some of the respondents who spoke to our correspondents over this year’s  Democracy Day celebration, said though the country has being in civil rule for straight 26 years, the majority of Nigerians are yet to feel the impact of democracy.

“Nigeria is in no way close to democratic rule because we lack actual freedom of speech as people sometimes have to go anonymous to share sensitive information in order to avoid attacks,” a teacher who identified himself as Victor said.

Another respondent, Miss Faith Chidi, who is an applicant, believes democracy in Nigeria is a camouflage because all the indices of military rule are still being experienced in the country.

According to her, Nigeria is in no way close to democratic governance.

“June 12 is only relevant to me because it will enable me stay at home. Nigeria’s democracy will be better if things are made clear. If we are democratic, let things be done the proper way and if we’re going under the military, let it be stated. We can’t be democratic and the people are living in fear,” she said.

Speaking in the same vein, a respondent who preferred to be anonymous said, “Democracy from what I was taught is freedom of speech, movement and worship. Nigeria is a partially democratic country because we go where we want and worship where we want to an extent. I said to an extent because going against the government even when they are wrong is risky.

“Let’s make reference to the issue with VDM or the #EndSars protest in 2020.

Democracy is not fully in practice and June 12 is just partially significant.

“Citizens should be allowed to express themselves through protests, because it is legal and then let the government work on what the citizens are complaining about.

“The Nigerian government should stop intimidating citizens with power and expensive legal prowess, after all we are not in a military regime.”

For Mr. Kingsley Yorkina, a graduate of Rivers State University, Nigeria’s democracy is still ineffective. He called for more democratic processes in doing things.

He said, “Honestly, to me, Democracy Day is just another public holiday. It doesn’t feel like something to celebrate anymore. There’s nothing really democratic about how the country is being run.

“I don’t think we’ve made real progress. Look at the level of unemployment.

People graduate with degrees and still can’t find jobs. There is no stable electricity, no good roads, and corruption is still everywhere.

“There’s no accountability. Politicians keep promising change, but things are even worse than before. We vote, but our votes don’t really count. It’s frustrating.

“Please tell them to wake up and take responsibility. Enough of the empty promises.

“Nigerians are suffering. We need real leaders who care about the people and not just about power.”

Meanwhile, Mrs.Nengi Alozie, a teacher at Rukpokwu Primary School, also expressed worries about Nigeria’s democracy.

According to her, “To be honest, I don’t think there’s anything to celebrate right now. How can we be talking about democracy when Rivers State is in a state of emergency?

“There’s so much political tension, and ordinary people like us are the ones suffering for it.”

She reminded political leaders to remember that democracy is not just about elections but about the welfare of the people.

“We need peace, we need proper governance, and we need leaders who care about education and the future of this country. The younger generation deserves better than this,” she said.

In the same vein, Dr. Kingsley Chimezie, who is a lecturer at the Ignatius Ajuru University, said; “Democracy is commonly defined as government of the people by the people and for the people meaning that democracy is for man and not man for democracy.

“Democracy, therefore, should be that which allows the voice of the people to determine who governs them or who should command the affairs of the country.”

By: John Bibor, Claire Julius, Destiny Emenike & Victory Obilor