At a recent colloquium celebrating Emeka Ihedioha’s 60th birthday, notable Nigerians including Olusegun Obasanjo and Matthew Kukah expressed their concerns over Nigeria’s declining democracy. Discussions centered on the need for systemic reforms, a reassessment of the 1999 Constitution, and the importance of political collaboration. Perspectives varied, with some advocating for urgent changes while others highlighted progress in Nigeria’s democratic processes.
On Monday, renowned Nigerians, including former governors and key public figures, expressed their concerns regarding the declining quality of democracy in Nigeria. This discourse took place during a colloquium at the Abuja Intercontinental Hotel, commemorating the 60th birthday of former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha, chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Among notable attendees were former Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and the last Governor of Katsina, Aminu Masari. During the event, the general consensus was that Nigeria’s democratic system has significant shortcomings that need addressing.
Bishop Matthew Kukah, in his keynote address titled “Is Democracy Failing in Africa?”, highlighted that Nigeria’s democratic system appears to benefit only a select few. He criticized the pressure exerted on the judiciary during elections and urged for reforms to restore the essence of democracy.
Kukah remarked on the contrasting nature of democracies across different regions, emphasizing that democracy in Africa suffers from systemic inherited issues. He suggested that a meaningful dialogue on the role of politicians in exacerbating or improving this societal divide is necessary.
In contrast to Kukah’s views on democracy being a work in progress, Peter Obi articulated that the democratic foundation laid since 1999 has significantly deteriorated. He recounted his own experience as a governor, illustrating how political dynamics have shifted alarmingly in recent years.
Obi recalled the support he received during his impeachment, lamenting that such camaraderie seems extinct in contemporary politics, leading to a collapse in the democratic system.
Obasanjo articulated that current practices in Africa represent a hollow form of “representative democracy.” He noted that for democracy to genuinely reflect African values, it must be redefined and adapted to local cultures and norms.
Atiku shared his own experiences of the sacrifices made for democracy, recognizing the need for unity among political leaders irrespective of their party affiliations. In contrast, Aminu Tambuwal insisted that democracy requires active participation from all stakeholders and necessary reforms in the political system.
Former Commonwealth Secretary-General Anyaoku advocated for a revision of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution to remedy the existing systemic issues. He emphasized the significance of establishing true federalism as a solution to ongoing national challenges.
Conversely, Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, presented a more optimistic viewpoint, asserting that Nigeria is on a steady path towards democratic progress. He emphasized that the ongoing electoral processes demonstrate the foundation of democracy in the country, despite the challenges faced.
The colloquium highlighted the deep concerns among prominent Nigerians regarding the perceived decline of democracy in Nigeria. Various speakers advocated for reforms, including a review of the Constitution and an emphasis on the participation of all political actors. While some attendees expressed skepticism about the current state of democracy, others maintained a more optimistic perspective, suggesting that progress is achievable through collective effort and commitment to democratic principles.
Original Source: punchng.com
