On 1st October 1960, the Nigerian people could not hold their excitement as they finally broke out from the shackles of colonialism, slavery, and the imperial rule of the Queen of England. For the longer years of intimidation, infringement of human rights, desecration of the traditional Nigerian society, exploitation of natural resources and introduction of systems that at best worked against the Nigerian people and the misunderstanding and war between the amalgamated protectorates. The first Republic coming to an early end through coups and counter coups was unplanned and unforseen. In fact, it was disastrous and deadly was its consequences.
Attempts to eradicate bad governance led to the above mentioned fatal experiences and all hopes for change placed on the civilians coming back to occupy the seat of power were a mere imagination.
The June 12th, 1993 Presidential election was considered in the history of Nigeria's politicking as the most free, credible and fair elections. However, the actors of self interest against the yearnings of the populace annulled the election.
Today, all forms of electoral malpractices have been activated in the political system of our dearest fatherland. To what extend can we go or achieve the dreams we conceive out of unity and faith if we no longer abide by the tenets of the law?
The youths are now mercenaries for disruption of the country's peace.
The economic development of the country has been in an anticlockwise progression and none of the politicians who have been evolving in the circle of friends has stood up to challenge the status quo.
The Educational sector would have remedy the situation to a certain point but as expected, little or nothing is been done in that regard. The privileged few have in multitudes their wards abroad receiving the best treatment that the siphoned funds would have
helped in developing.
The 1999 handing over from the military regime to a Democratically (civilian) elected Government had similar experiences of joy erupting the hearts of the average Nigerian people. This came with the hope that all that has befallen the country will be addressed in the operation of the new system.
Today, 24 years later, the story is unchanged. Corruption is still the order of the day. Insecurity, poor infrastructural development, poor Educational sector, a sinking economy, food insecurity, electoral malpractices et al.
Quoting the words of Joseph Addison, he said; “No oppression is so heavy or lasting as that which is inflicted by the perversion and exorbitance of legal authority.” This directly points to the fact that the Democratic system of governance in Nigeria is a mirage. From happenings orchestrated by those in power and to the rebellious minds of those being governed, it's impossible to go further except through a revolutionary movement which will seek an end to the malfunctioning ring of leaders.
America's famous President Abraham Lincoln opined that "the legitimate object of government is 'to do for the people what needs to be done, but which they can not, by individual effort, do at all, or do so well, for themselves’.” If Government should think about satisfying the basic needs of their constituents, there will certainly be no need for everyone trying to get into the seat of power as seen in the Nigerian political atmosphere.
On 6th June, 2018, the immediate past President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) in an attempt to reconstruct the narratives of June 12th, 1993 conferred the highest honour to the assumed winner of the Presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola of blessed memory and as well declared and backed by the National Assembly for a memorial, June 12th as Nigeria's Democracy Day setting aside May 29.
Conclusively, the notion of "The People" is the first and safest strategy to be employed in sustaining our falling democracy, also wishing above all that Nigerians rise up to the responsibility that lays bare before us and make our voices to be heard.
In marking today's Democracy Day, I want to particularly beseech the youths to brace up themselves for already, the leadership is fast approaching and collectively, the quest to reposition our country in the league of first world economies will be achieved.
I wish all Nigerians a happy Democracy Day celebration!
Emmanuel Richard
Calabar, Nigeria.
12th June, 2023.
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