NIGERIA'S Democracy At 17: The Journey Thus Far

I grew up knowing about Nigeria, a country blessed abundantly with the liquid gold. If nothing stood Nigeria out among its contemporaries, it was the dexterous manner its independence from Britain was secured. Free of the typical bloodshed and antagonistic approach towards colonial domination.

The Peoples of Nigeria collectively voted for their independence; though this involved a gradual process of first securing the authority of an elected legislative body by the instrumentality of the Clifford Constitution of 1922 through the unsuccessful vote for independence in 1953 due to the refusal of the elite of the northern part of the country for self-determination. However, it was subsequently that October 1, 1960 was collectively chosen by the elected as the significant moment for the independence of the deeply multicultural and multi-religious country, thus given Nigeria its first bite at democracy: "government of the people, by the people and for the people" (as defined by HE, Abraham Lincoln). The Peoples of Nigeria obtained the power to determine their collective good; at least presumably. 

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Blessed with the crop of  enviable leaders, such as the Great Zik of Africa; Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, etc, most of whom were academically well trained and held in high esteem by their contemporaries in other countries.

However, just as their administration was famous for steering a young country to help build cooperation among independent African states, including the formation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now African Union, in 1963, they were considered ineffective in tackling some domestic issues including corruption and civil unrest. As a result, the military struck, taking over the administration of the country. 

In a radio broadcast in the wee hours of January 15, 1966, after masterminding the killing of some leaders of the Country including Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa, Okotie Eboh, then Finance Minister, Ahmadu Bello, the Saraduna of Sokoto and leader of the Northern Nigeria, Major Chukwuma Nzeogwu hinted "corruption" as one of the reasons for the military junta. He is quoted as saying in Kaduna

Our enemies are the political profiteers, the swindlers, the men in the high and low places that seek bribes and demand 10 percent; those that seek to keep the country divided permanently so that they can seek to remain in office as ministers or VIPs at least, the tribalists, the nepotists, those that make the country look big for nothing before international circles, those that have corrupted our society and put the Nigerian political calendar back by their words and deed

These were part of the words that set Nigeria through the paths of military rule, autocracy and dictatorship. The horrendous civil war was fought, between 1967-1970, as an aftermath of the series of events that occurred due to the first military junta, and so many dictators and autocrats were also made out of the military rule in Nigeria; among whom include General Muhammadu Buhari (1983-1985), who like Major Chukwuma Nzeogwu toppled the civilian rule that was instituted by General Olusegun Obasanjo; General Ibrahim Babangida and the ferocious General Sani Abach whose death trumpeted the birth of modern democracy in Nigeria.

In May 29, 1999, General Abdusalami Abubakar handed over the administration of the country Nigeria to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. However, this was not after the country had been battered badly by military rule and corruption becoming endemic in the society.  

Nigeria democracy is however now a teenager, having gone uninterruptedly for seventeen years without any military takeover, despite its chequered existence. From Olusegun Obasanjo to Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'dua who took over in May 29, 2007. However, upon the death of the "Servant-Leader" in May 5, 2010, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan took over the administration of the country and later won election in May 29, 2011. The election was however characterized by post-election violence after the northern Nigeria preferred candidate, Muhammadu Buhari lost the presidential election. The civil unrest was rampant in the northern region as persons from other ethnic groups were killed, including young Nigerians in the mandatory one year service to their fatherland.

The Goodluck Jonathan administration was thus saddled with the burden of ruling a country drenched with different forms of domestic violence, including but not limited  to the Boko Haram terrorism and the Niger Delta militancy. He however found ways of gravitating through the process despite the overwhelming criticism and propaganda against his leadership. Jonathan however lost the 2015 elections to Muhammadu Buhari, and amicably handed over power to him.

As Nigeria celebrates its Democracy day, one statement vibrates through the annals of our thoughts, that is the address of Goodluck Jonathan at the centenary celebration of Nigeria which in parts reads thus:

I have always said it that any ambition that I have at any time us not worth the blood of any Nigerian. I will never ever expect a Nigerian to spill a drop of his blood because Goodluck Jonathan must fulfill his  ambition

So, on an occasion when we are remembering those who kept this country one for us to be celebrating....we should admonish ourselves. To the Key actors today, we should preach peace; we should preach unity"

Happy Democracy Day Nigeria!!!