When we were been ruled by the Military between 1960s and 90s, all our expectations were clear to the effect that Democratic rule will bring hopes and visions of good governance into fruition. If truly these were our expectations, I’m not sure if we are there yet.
I have in recent time went back into my Library to dig into the true concept of Principle and Practice of Democracy. I discovered that Democracy is about power and using same to direct affairs through well established structures for maximum benefit of the civil society. If this was it, then one will say yes truly there is Democracy in practice in Nigeria. Afterall, we have all Democratic structures in place
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My findings further took me to the Principle of Democracy: that aspect which talked about the concept of power, the sources of Power, Authority and power, administration of resources and control of resources and finally, the concept of checks and balances of power . These are the basic ingredients of Democracy without which there can’t be purposeful and good governance.
I discovered that while it is true that there is physical demonstration of Practice of Democracy in Nigeria, the application of basic principle of Democracy in its truest form remained largely the bane of our Democratic experience since the time of our national independence and till date
While the Principle of Democracy says power should be derived through the People and by the use of ballots ,power in nigerian context are not freely given by the electorates, power are purchased by few oligarchy who had the opportunity of stealing from our common wealth. They usurped our National economic power and through it hijack Political power and Authority to rule the Nation without proper Administration of the basic tenets of separation, checks and balances of power.
The effect of all these in our National life are institutional and individual corruption, Abuse of State powers, misappropriation of national resources and to cap it all miscarriages of justice. Tell me, how can we have a true nation where peace and justice reigns.
