This is NOT Democracy…
Today, our dear Mother, Nigeria, is 59 years old. To the glory of God Almighty She is in sound health of various illnesses unable to consume Her.
Happy Birthday, Mama Mia!!!
In saner climes where there is government, it is based upon a political ideology and/or form of government. Nigeria, like many other countries, practices democracy. However, democratic indices (such as rule of law, free and fair elections, fundamental rights and freedoms, and accountability and transparency of government officials) suggest that Nigeria is a far cry from what democracy as a form of government means, going by the books.
Since it began operations on Friday, 29th May, 2015, the Muhammodu Buhari government of Nigeria has never proven oppositions wrong with its track record of disobedience to court rules and pronouncements, infringement on the fundamental rights of the citizens to freedom of speech, association and free press (reminiscent only of the draconian Decree 4); accountability and transparency are foreign to the government and free and fair elections are obviously a misnomer.
This is NOT Democracy!
My Lecturers, Prof. Remi Aiyede, Dr. Idowu Johnson, Dr. Steve Laenwa and a host of others, from the Premier and Prestigious University of Ibadan would be laughing when taking classes on Democracy; with the understanding that Nigeria is a laughing stock in the comity of nations practicing democracy. Practically, every right thinking Nigerian knows and laughs, like my Lecturers would, ruminating on the charade called democracy in Nigeria.
This is Not Democracy!
On assumption of office, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-olu reeled out an executive order stating obnoxious rules by which commuters must abide in Lagos. Today, it is on record that road construction has been the hallmarks of successive governments in Lagos save the lion of bourdilon. Yet, there is hardly any motorable road in Lagos of the 21st Century. One then wonders if it is democratic of the Governor to give such executive orders.
This is NOT Democracy!
Despite these charades called democratic governance in Nigeria, Nigerians still hold-on unto the realisation that Nigeria shall survive this present quagmire: There is hope for the future. Democracy with all its tenets is realisable, practicable and possible in Nigeria.
Happy 59th Independence Anniversary, Nigeria!!!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
Long Live Lagos State!!!
Long Live the People of Nigeria!!!
#NigeriaIndependenceAnniversary
#Wagbemiga
#AnniversaryCelebration
'Wagbemiga Mary-Peter Onifade
Writer/Biograger/Media Consultant
+2347034573233
www.about.me/wagbemiga