Five years ago, June 12 was declared as democracy day in Nigeria. The shift from May 29, to June 12, was to symbolise the assault on Nigeria’s democracy in 1993 when the presidential election adjudged to have been won by M.K.O Abiola, was annulled.
The annulment of that election by the military junta of Ibrahim Babangida plunged Nigeria right back into the darkness it was about to emerge from at the time. Disregard for democracy in the years of military rule in Nigeria has meant national development was subjected to the whims and caprices of unelected, unworthy individuals who were ruling only by might, not right. They set the foundation for a lot of the rot and institutional failures in Nigeria today.
Worse, no matter how much they ruined things while in government, the people did not have a say. The only way juntas were reset was through another coup, and yet another one, with each taking Nigeria farther away from democracy.
But it is now 24 years since the return to democracy, and Nigerian’s have, in about six election cycles, been able to choose their leaders at both state and federal level. This freedom to choose by the populace, and respecting the decision in the eventual declaration of winners, is one of the major hallmarks of democracy.
As we celebrate this year’s democracy day, it becomes important to remind us all as Nigerians that the democracy we enjoy today, however flawed, was hard earned
Even though elections are still largely disputed, it is in fact, one of the expected outcomes under democracy. The opportunity to contest elections and where an unfair outcome is suspected, utilise laid down processes to appeal that outcome. This is done with the hope that the litigation process returns victory to he or she who deserves it.
While might is right under dictatorships, this is not what obtains in a democracy. The right conferred on any given candidates, is where they draw the might; authority and legitimacy to govern. Without this, they would be an unpopular ruler with a weak mandate that has to use force in getting their way. They end up becoming a dictator even if clothed as a civilian.
As we celebrate this year’s democracy day, it becomes important to remind us all as Nigerians that the democracy we enjoy today, however flawed, was hard earned. The road to democracy has been paved with the blood of patriotic Nigerians, who refused to sit idle and let undemocratic forces run the country into the ground.
Some who have lived to tell the stories had to sacrifice their freedom at some point, while others fled the country or went underground in one way or the other. For all who have contributed to Nigeria’s journey towards democracy, they would say the journey has been anything but pleasant.
Read also: Ways by which we can strengthen our democracy
And while the Nigeria of everyone’s dreams may be yet to manifest, it is important to keep faith in the democratic project and join hands to ensure it does not fail. Even as disagreements would emerge, from elections to policy decisions, it is important that the rule of law is allowed to prevail, while eschewing every conduct that could destabilise the country.
When any nation becomes ungovernable and slips into dictatorship, the ordinary citizens lose. Most of even those who consider themselves elites lose. Those who may have been antagonistic of the deposed government will also be losers. Under dictatorships, the right to criticise and hold the government accountable is forfeited, no matter what bad decisions may be taken.
It is important to stress that Nigerians must be careful with what they wish for, when it comes to pushing for change in government; either out of frustration about approach to governance or even partisan sentiments. The alternative will always be worse, not unless it is achieved through the ballots.
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