BY OMEIZA NAIMAH.
Democracy as a form of government has over the years been applauded and glorified as the best form of government due to its nature of embracing the entire masses as opposed to the idea of monarchy and aristocracy.
The ideal form of democracy as birthed and nurtured by the Athenenian city of Greek differs from the democracy that has been in practice in Nigeria as it lacks the key ingredients of ideal democracy.
The Emergence of democracy in the Nigerians’ political terrain can best be described with the scenario of an ugly child birthed by a beautiful mother, thereby planting in the hearts of the concious masses a seed of curiosity as to what went wrong.
The idea of Nigerians’ Democracy as a model enthroned to combat and rescue ideal representative Government from the claws of demise which it was subjected to by military dictatorship, ethnic strife and minority issues has reluctantly dwindled into oblivion.
The bastardization of Democracy in Nigeria has since its inception presented itself through various Dimensions, ranging from Electoral malpractices to Disregard for the rule of law. While the former imposes political rulers,the latter imprisons the actions of the disgruntled masses groaning for justice.
However,these unhindered efforts of our political gladiators in redefining and reshaping Democracy have thrown the spurious claims of Nigerians’ Democracy at a questionable disposition.
Furthermore, true democracy in Nigeria has been sacrificed on the altar of elitism; a system of government where few elites decide who gets what,when and how. This ugly scenario has undermined the efforts of the masses who have strived ardently to be involved in the government of their own,thereby rendering a good number of the masses politically apathetic.
It is indeed ridiculous how some apologists of Nigerian democracy – mainly our political demigods who often shield themselves under the canopy of Democracy to mamaguy the masses,have continued to celebrate and applaud the Nigerians’ democracy despite all the flaws embedded in it.
In conclusion, True Democracy can be attained or realized in Nigeria, if only our leaders can desist from raping our Democracy, reshape their ideologies and strengthened all the components saddled with the responsibility of protecting democratic elements.
#GOD BLESS NIGERIA
Naimah Omeiza
writes from Kogi State.
Omeizajnaimat@gmail.com
