As we commemorate Democracy Day, it is essential to highlight the disturbing trends of undemocratic governance under President Bola Tinubu.
In the past year, his administration has taken several steps that threaten the fundamental principles of democracy, including:
1. Arbitrary arrests and detention of journalists, activists, and opposition figures who criticize the government.
2. Spending 90 billion to subsidize Hajj
3. The spending of 21 billion naira to build the official residence for Nigeria's vice president at a time of economic hardship
4. How Betta Edu Case has been swept under the carpet
5. Minimum wage
6. Appointment of loyalists and cronies to positions of power, undermining the principle of meritocracy and the independence of key institutions.
7. Electoral irregularities, including allegations of vote rigging, intimidation of voters, and violence during elections.
These actions not only undermine democracy but also erode trust in government and threaten the stability and progress of our nation.
Moreover, President Tinubu's administration has failed to take decisive action to address pressing socio-economic challenges, such as unemployment, insecurity, and poverty, which continue to blight the lives of millions of Nigerians.
This has led to a growing sense of frustration and disillusionment among the population, with many expressing their discontent through protests and civil disobedience.
In a true democracy, the government should be held accountable for its actions and policies.
The corruption allegations against Minister Edu also highlight the broader issues of transparency and accountability in the Tinubu administration.
If even the Minister responsible for poverty alleviation is suspected of embezzlement, it calls into question the government’s commitment to tackling the problem of corruption.
Moreover, Edu’s appointment to the Ministry, despite her alleged involvement in corruption, suggests a culture of impunity and a lack of consequences for officials who engage in corrupt practices, which further undermines public confidence in the government.
While the Nigerian government under President Tinubu struggles to effectively address poverty and corruption, Burkina Faso has taken decisive steps to reduce the cost of governance and combat corruption.
In 2022, President Roch Marc Christian Kabore announced a series of measures aimed at reducing government waste, including:
1. A 50% reduction in the salaries of the President and other top officials.
2. A ban on luxury vehicles for government officials.
3. The elimination of various allowances and privileges for government officials.
These measures, which were implemented as part of a broader anti-corruption drive, were widely praised for their boldness and their potential to free up resources for public spending on education, healthcare, and other essential services.
By comparison, the Nigerian government has taken no significant steps to reduce its own expenditures or address the rampant corruption that plagues the country.
Instead, the Tinubu administration has continued to prioritize the interests of a small elite over the needs of the wider population, with little regard for transparency or accountability.
The N21 billion reportedly allocated for the renovation of Vice President Kashim Shettima’s official residence is yet another example of the lavish spending and mismanagement of public funds that has become commonplace in the Tinubu administration.
The fact that such a large sum of money was allocated for a single residence, while many Nigerians struggle to access basic services such as healthcare and education, speaks volumes about the government’s priorities.
The Vice President’s residence, which is already one of the most luxurious in the country, hardly requires such extensive renovations, especially at a time when the government should be focusing on providing essential services to its citizens.
Furthermore, the timing of the project is suspect, with the renovations taking place just months after the Tinubu administration came into power.
This suggests that the project was prioritized not out of a genuine need for repairs or modernization, but as a means of providing patronage to the Vice President and his allies.
As we mark Nigeria's Democracy Day, it is crucial to recognize and honor the heroes of our democratic struggle, who fought tirelessly for the rights and freedoms that we now enjoy.
Chief among these heroes is Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, popularly known as MKO Abiola.
Abiola’s sacrifice in the struggle for democracy is legendary. His victory in the 1993 presidential election was annulled by the military regime, leading to years of political instability and protests.
Chief Gani Fawehinmi, a renowned human rights lawyer and activist, was also instrumental in the fight for democracy in Nigeria.
Fawehinmi, often referred to as “Gani” by Nigerians, was a leading figure in the pro-democracy movement during the military era.
He fearlessly challenged the authoritarian regimes of Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha, facing imprisonment and intimidation in the process.
Fawehinmi’s unrelenting advocacy for justice and human rights earned him numerous awards, including the Mandela Freedom Medal in 1997 and the Nigerian Bar Association
Another hero of Nigerian democracy was General Olusegun Obasanjo. After serving as Nigeria’s military head of state from 1976 to 1979, Obasanjo became an advocate for democracy and civilian rule.
Following the annulment of the 1993 elections, Obasanjo joined other pro-democracy activists in pressuring the military regime to hand over power to civilians.
His leadership and influence played a critical role in the eventual restoration of democracy in 1999, when he was elected as the country’s civilian president.
"Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed." These profound words, spoken by Martin Luther King Jr., encapsulate the spirit of Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
The sacrifices and achievements of heroes like Abiola, Fawehinmi, and Obasanjo paved the way for our democracy today.
As we commemorate Democracy Day, let us honor their memories by ensuring that our democracy is strengthened and protected for future generations.
But let us also remember that democracy is not a destination; it is a journey.
The process of building a strong and stable democracy is never easy, and requires constant vigilance and participation from all citizens.
We must be active participants in our democracy, holding our leaders accountable, demanding transparency and accountability, and working together to build a more just and equitable society for all Nigerians.
In the words of former President Barack Obama, "democracy is hard work; it’s a daily effort to listen, to engage, to learn, and to trust.
I’m Chief Dr Patrick Osagie Eholor otherwise known as Ultinate Equal, President One Love Foundation. Senior Advocate of the Masses