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Nigeria’s Trajectory In Democratic Governance By Jide Ayobolu Election is a very important ingredient of democratic practice; it is through election that the electorates exercise their fundamental human rights to vote and be voted for as well as perform their legitimate civic duties to the country. But it is good to go down memory lane and try to unearth the different scenarios at play prior to general elections in Nigeria. This is to enable the populace know in practical terms, what lies ahead for them as 2007 general election approaches and to equally sensitize the leaders to their constitutional responsibilities as well as keep faith with the diverse promises they made to the electorate during their various electioneering and on diverse political soap-boxes. It is germane to point out the fact that, people are generally disenchanted with the scheme of things and turn of events in the country presently. For seven and the half years now, they could not see and feel in real pragmatic terms, the salient democratic dividends that ought to be the symbol of the newly found democratic rule. From all indications, therefore, the political gladiators have reneged on the social contract they entered into with the electorate. Rather than bring joy, hope, happiness and peace, they wrought on the people unprecedented hopelessness, sorrow, agony, tears and blood. It is now, “to your tents, O ye Israel”, the electorates have been systematically marginalized, neglected and alienated by their so-called representatives. It is equally sad and appalling that, the people did not see clearly defined socio-economic, educational, health and agricultural policies that would have assisted to shape up the economy positively and affect the lives of the citizenry progressively. Instead, what obtains is a motley crowd, government machinery in utter disarray, a cacophony of uncoordinated policies working at cross purposes. And, this can help to explain the parlous state of the economy, the comatose state of infrastructure, the pervasive poverty in the land, the glaring absence of institutions and institutional frameworks and its multiplier deleterious effects on the society. It is also imperative to underscore the fact that, apart from what presently holds sway in the country. Even, prior to the 2003 elections, there were no rigorous electioneering campaigns based on serious national issues. Those in government were desperate to retain their portfolios, while those who want to come on board, did so with selfish ambition and unrestrained determination. There was so much attention and focus on politics to the detriment of the economy, and what touches very directly on the lives of the poor, downtrodden and needy in the society. The campaigns then were not used for setting remarkable agenda and interactive political education; the campaigns were drab, prosaic, colourless, uneventful and essentially money-driven. The politicians are of the opinion that they can always buy their way through; hence, they spent money heavily. So, immediately after the elections, what they did was to work hard to make sure that they get their investment back as soon as possible not caring a hoot about what happens to the ordinary man in the street. The masses were not presented with the various political party manifestoes. It was also during this period that there was incessant system collapse and power outages by PHCN, there was also fuel scarcity, non-availability of potable water supply and inexplicable widespread political assassinations as well as deep-seated violence in the Niger-Delta, there things have started again with greater intensity. It was against this background that the election was held in 2003. The result across the country was a subject of controversies, but at least for the sake of the survival of democracy and the Nigerian State, it was accepted with equanimity and philosophical calmness. It is therefore incumbent upon the masses, the various human rights organizations, non-governmental organizations, interest groups, pressure groups, civil society groups, pro-democracy organizations, organized private sector, labour unions, students, market women and other stakeholders to mount relentless pressure on government at all levels to sit up, put on their thinking caps and provide good governance for the people of the country, a thing that has been conspicuously absent since 1999. The people in government have variously demonstrated that, they only pay lip service to the issue of finding lasting and permanent solution to the hydra-headed problems that plague Nigeria. Nigerians have for too long listened patiently to the self-admittance of failure and the now worn-out sing-song that, the problem with the Nigerian economy is legion, and that, it has been badly battered by the military for several years, therefore, the economy will need time to pick-up. We have listened rather helplessly to the senseless sermon that, democracy in Nigeria is still a learning process; hence, the politicians will need ample time to learn the ropes to know and understand the nitty-gritty of democratic administration and management. Yet, they don’t learn how to help themselves with public funds; they simply stockpile it in off-shore bank accounts. The point really is, if the kitchen is too hot, they should get out for those who are really to take the destiny of the country in their hands and shape it for the best. Those in positions of authority today should know as a matter of fact that they are not the “lord of the manor” but rather the servant of those that elected them, to represent their interest. So at every given point, they must be responsible and accountable to the people, not themselves, as has always been the case. The essence of service is to make selfless sacrifices on behalf of the people. To render invaluable and qualitative service towards the growth and development of the country. To channel scarce resources to productive sectors of the national economy for the upliftment and betterment of the whole country at large. But in our time, what has always been the case? Politicians get into public offices and help themselves with public funds, swelling their on and off shore bank accounts, getting richer in office than before they got on board. They have also devised dubious means of enlarging their various business interests, while those who voted them into office, pine away in poverty and misery. However, we must cultivate the habit of always learning from history, so that we just don’t make the same mistakes several times over, as this is not a good commentary on the development of our political economy. Also, electoral victory at the polls should make our leaders sober and reflect humbling them to perform better. Not to make them arrogant, deluded, self-centred and vainglorious as they wont to do. They should jettison the idea of winners-take-all and embrace the concept of give and take in a harmonious and congenial environment that is capable of propelling a people-oriented development. This is what makes democratic governance tick. Therefore, Nigeria and Nigerians have no excuse whatsoever not to rapidly transform and radically modernize as well as progressively develop in the few years ahead. Nigeria is the pride of every Blackman on the face of earth and should therefore occupy her place of pride amongst the comity of nations and be a beacon of hope for medium powers globally. So, we must not leave everything to the elected representative, as we all have great roles to play to make Nigeria great again. To this end, we must say no to the politics of money and moneybags, we must do what is right always based on equity, justice and fairplay. And, we must always vote for people who have integrity, credibility and track record, not spineless green horns, useless money-bags and confused-minded people. So, as the 2007 general election approaches, Nigerians should put their destiny in their hands and vote for people that have the fear of God, respect fellow human beings and willingness to pursue programmes that can truly have positive impact on the country in all its ramifications.
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