It was twenty years on May 29th since the return of nascent democracy to Nigeria. For those who have survived the high tide of Nigeria’s history from the time of Independence on October 1st, 1960, they are well aware that it has been an interesting journey arriving at this spot of the longest democratic run in Nigeria’s history.
It was, therefore, the right and proper thing to do, that on June 6th, 2018, eight days after 2018’s May 29th celebrations, President Buhari declared that June 12th of every year be celebrated as Democracy Day henceforth, to honour the presumed winner of the 1993 presidential election, Chief Moshood Abiola. The title of Grand Commander of the Niger (GCON) was also awarded posthumously to the person of Late M.K.O Abiola and his deputy, Alhaji Babagana Kingibe. This meant closure for many proponents and champions of democracy who fought for it even with their blood.
Of course, it was not only the right thing to do, but it was also the most politically correct and expedient thing to do to honour the memory of what could have been the most inclusive chance at democracy Nigeria ever had. The annulment of the democratic election of MKO Abiola on June 12th, 1993, which was adjudged to be freest and fairest elections and subsequently cancelled by the Ibrahim Babangida junta, was truly a landmark event which the country may never recover from. But with this commemoration, it seemed as if all wrongs have been set right and we have another golden chance at democracy once again.
Notwithstanding the favourable optics and the goodwill this groundbreaking event has added to the administration of Buhari, is the leadership ready to show exemplary governance as the President’s second term in office begins on June 12th?
Just a few weeks ago, at a reception and dinner with the FCT legislators, the President referred to the people of Abuja, who largely voted for PDP candidates at the National Assembly, as evil, because they voted the PDP candidates en masse at the last elections. Notwithstanding these divisive comments, when President Buhari at the Democracy Day speech mentioned again that, “the All Progressives Congress (APC) government can move 100 million Nigerians out of poverty within 10 years” and that “a database of poor and vulnerable Nigerians, as well as that of unemployed youth, was being developed to address the problem of socio-economic inequality in society,” we found it could be one of those numerous moments where we forgive the President and his cabinet’s shortcomings for the sins of the past four years and hope this round of promises comes correct. With twenty years in democracy, we might be willing to hope again that all the visions laid out by the President – of ideal Nigeria – are actually backed up with actionable plans lest they just become another round of speeches garbed in empty rhetoric.
Perhaps this feat of pulling 100 million Nigerians out of the poverty hole will be possible now that the President has a loyal judiciary and a rubber stamp legislature which he hand-picked himself. In the next four years, as we mark the birthday of our flailing democracy, there should be no room for excuses. Nigerians must also not provide an allowance for excuses. There should no more be passing of the buck or blaming inbred incompetence on the lacklustre metrics of 16 years of the PDP.
Nigerians may be tired of democracy already; and rightly so, their patience is being tested daily. But the fate of this democracy lasting another twenty long years depends largely on the President and his team keeping with the dictates of the constitution while ensuring that more Nigerians are not frustrated into a state of apathy for democracy.
Reference
Sahara Reporters
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