Happy Democracy Day?

As Nigeria marked Democracy Day on June 12, a group of concerned citizens gathered to protest the dismal state of affairs in the country. While their enthusiasm is commendable, it is essential to recognize that a one-day protest is merely a scratch on the surface of the deep-seated corruption and mis-governance that has plagued Nigeria for decades.

Civil Rule

Since the return to civil rule in May 1999, Nigeria has been plagued by a vicious cycle of corruption, impunity, and poverty. Politicians have allegedly, perfected the art of looting public funds, manipulating elections, and maintaining a stranglehold on power. The result is a country with vast resources but dismal living standards, crumbling infrastructure, and a people perpetually trapped in poverty. 

The truth is that corruption in Nigeria is not just a problem of individual politicians, but a systemic issue deeply ingrained in the political architecture. The current structural architecture is deeply flawed, historically unsuitable for the governance and management of a multinational country as Nigeria, albeit unfortunately codified in the governing laws of the country, and presented as the 1999 constitution. It is an hydra-headed monster that requires a sustained and structured approach to dismantle.

There is no real democracy in Nigeria as the 1999 constitution is not a democratic constitution. Nigeria is governed by civilians, but yet to commence the journey to democracy. This all important journey is being hammered by a most insidious malaise called corruption; this disease has been woven into the very fabrics of the polity, has taken over the internal organs of the Nigerian society, and now threatening to be the death of us all.

History of Corruption

The roots of corruption in Nigeria can be traced back to the military era when lootings and embezzlement were the norm. The return to democracy in 1999 brought new faces but the same old practices continued. Politicians and government officials have consistently manipulated the system to enrich themselves and their cronies. The current 1999 constitution is so badly structured that it is “unjusticiable”, and totally bereft of actual and practicable checks and balances as required in a workable democracy.

Since the return to civil rule in 1999, Nigeria has averaged 25 points on the Corruption Perception Index chart. While it was circa 24% in 2013, it achieved the high value of 28% in 2016 during the rulership of President Muhammadu Buhari. The higher the score, the less corrupt the country. The less corrupt the country, the more developed she is. The Kingdom of Denmark has a corruption perception index of 90% (least corrupt country in 2023) is 0.948 points out of 1, and the 6th highest globally. That of Nigeria is 0.548 points while that of Afghanistan is 0.46 points in the same order with that of Nigeria.

Corruption has a direct impact on the human capital development of any enclave. The current economic woes in Nigeria, and the travails of the hapless citizens of this country, are a direct result of the mindless corruption in the country, ably aided by an unworkable structure, and legalized by a most nefarious and badly written federal constitution.

The current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has witnessed more outcries, hunger and hardships. In just over a year in office, there has been a seismic shift in the economic structure of the country, leaving most citizens, businesses and corporate entities bewildered and deeply battered. The devaluation policy, the removal of subsidies, the increased tax rates and the introduction of a single exchange rate regime, with the high official interest rates, have all come together to truncate whatever positive objectives intended. The economy has taken a major beating, and citizens are being impoverished for no fault of theirs. Most Nigerians feel betrayed by their own very government.

Why One Day Protest is Not Enough 

While protests are an essential tool for expressing dissent and demanding change, a one-day protest is insufficient to correct decades of corruption and mis-governance. Corruption in Nigeria is a deeply entrenched problem that requires a sustained and structured approach to dismantle.

A one-day protest may generate some publicity and temporary attention but it will not bring about the fundamental changes needed to transform Nigeria’s political and economic landscape.

What is Needed

To bring about real change, Nigerians must adopt a more structured and intentional approach. This includes:

• Building a broad-based coalition of civil society organizations, labor unions, and community groups to coordinate protests and advocacy efforts.

• Developing a clear and concise set of demands that address the root causes of corruption and mis governance. 

• Engaging in sustained advocacy efforts over an extended period to keep the pressure on politicians and  government officials.

• Supporting and electing credible and accountable leaders who are committed to transparency and good governance.

• Building a culture of activism and civic engagement that encourages Nigerians to demand their rights and hold leaders accountable. 

The ultimate aim shall be to set aside the unworkable 1999 constitution, usher in a negotiated constitution based on the Independent Constitution and a negotiated restructured Nigeria where all regions shall government selves, and usher in a country where no man nor creed, shall be inferior; a system and a country we shall all be proud to call our home, and finally join the committee of countries where sanity reigns.

As Nigerians celebrate 25 years of uninterrupted civil rule, very deliberate steps must be taken to usher in democracy. It is essential to recognize that a one-day protest is merely a starting point. To correct decades of corruption and mis-governance, Nigerians must adopt a more structured and intentional approach that includes building a broad-based coalition, supporting credible leaders, and building a culture of governmental activism. 

Nigeria needs real democracy. Real democracy is a panacea for the reduction in corrupt practices. A workable constitution is required for real democracy to be achieved. With the 1999 constitution, corruption could never be controlled, neither could really democracy be achieved.