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Modern-day Nigeria came into being on January 1, 1914, with the formal amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates of the former British colony. Hence January 1, 2014, will mark 100 years of the union. Thus, as Nigeria marks 100 years of existence, with the theme ‘One Nigeria, Great Promise’ It will be a signal event, to celebrate Nigeria’s emergence as a force on the world stage. This great nation has demonstrated its significance throughout its history, supporting liberation movements on the continent, contributing to regional military actions in support of peace, security and humanitarian assistance, demonstrating economic capacity and entrepreneurial spirit, and engaging the world, as a leader in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union, and at the United Nations.
Incidentally, Nigeria also celebrates 14 years of the return to democracy. But in spite of this, many still believe that the democracy we practice is a facade and the federalism in place a charade. Noticeably, the 14th anniversary is coming at a time when some elements of democracy appear to be at odds. In the North, a state of emergency has been declared in three states occasioned by the activities of Boko Haram insurgents; in the south, series of controversies, division and disquieting incidents in the River State House of Assembly and in the polity generally, there is ethnic and religious tensions gradually taking root due to the upcoming 2015 general election. More so, political gladiators are gradually orchestrating strategies to favourably position themselves ahead of the elections at the expense of the well being of the people and the stability of the nation at large.
But as we mark 14 years of the return to democracy, this question comes to mind: is a silver lining emerging in Nigeria’s democratic landscape? This question raises the concern of most Nigerians as to the state of the nation after many years of flag independence. Evidently, we are still grappling with problems of development and over the course of time, countries like China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Venezuela etc., had overtaken Nigeria in the long journey towards development. This is because we chose to promote mediocrity above excellence and elevated falsehood above truth, officially installed internal imperialism, mismanaged greatly the resources of the nation, enthroned a constitution that is not a representation of the will of the people. These negatives are the features which have ultimately defined our democratic practice in the country.
To some persons, the country is greatly running behind schedule and lagging behind in all the indices of competition with other nations. Many others say that the country in gradually but slowly breaking the barriers in several fronts, underpinning their comments on the fact that the country is undergoing major economic, social and political growth compared to years past. Also, relying on the economic ratings of the country as one of the fastest growing economies in the African continent, the high increase of GDP at purchasing power parity (PPP) which has almost trebled from year 2000 to 2012, the GDP per capita which have more than doubled in the same period, the population increase from 120 million in 2000 to 160 million in 2010 and still growing. These many have argued is yet to translate to improved standard of living for most Nigerians.
Noticeable also, there is ongoing transformation in the aviation sector, the agricultural sector is witnessing improvement; foreign direct investment is increasing considerably; the banking sector is strong and the over subscription of Federal Government 1 billion Bonds by foreign investors is also a testimony of growing confidence in the Nigeria economy. It is even touted by some experts that the Nigerian economy may outpace that of South Africa in the next 8 to 10 years if the reform in the banking and aviation sectors is extended to other sectors like power, oil and gas, and transport. Besides, some major textile companies have reopened following government intervention after several years of closure. These are some signs of an emerging silver lining but we are still a long way from achieving the great potentials of this nation. The challenges before us are still enormous. Ethnic tensions and divisions are on the increase, the structure of the country is still skewed in favour of one region against others, and unemployment is still high despite the thousands of jobs created by the YOUWIN and the SURE-P programmes. There is still hunger in the land despite the award giving to Nigeria by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) for the reduction of hunger in the land. Our lawmakers are still highly corrupt and lacking the will to purge themselves of it. Quality leadership both in public and the private sector are still scarce in this historic moment of our nation.
Thus, We need more Ngozi okonjo Iweala’s, Ms Stella Odua’s , Dr. Akinwumi Ayo Adesina’s, Babatunde Fashola’s, Rochas Okorocha’s, Rotimi Ameachi’s, Godswill Obot Akpabio’s etc who like the personalities above, will demonstrate uncommon competence and brilliance in governance. Men and women who will choose to occupy a place of honour by championing the course of national development. Great personalities who will take up leading roles in the Executive, Legislative and the Judicial arm of government to bring about the enthronement of the principles of openness, accountability, probity and transparency and who would not only be seen but be perceived by the public as the epitome of integrity.
Our greatness as a nation will come from men and women of these sorts who show great vision and quality initiative; and who will continue with greater intensity and integrity reforms that are aimed at providing greater transparency and accountability of public institutions and government operations.
Really, there are signs of emerging silver lining, but the lines are still very faint for all to see. We are still being confronted with issues that tend towards undermining the very stability of the nation. And we expect government at all levels to begin to address some of these fundamental issues knowing that the time has now come for Nigeria to take the next step to achieve its potential. As a nation, we must embrace democracy fully and cement in place the institutions, practices, and values of democratic governance. Free, fair, and credible elections are an important part of that process and the coming national elections present a golden opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate its lasting commitment to democratic values and institutions.
It is important to note that democracy will amount to nothing if it does not translate to good governance, for it is good governance that will impact on the lives of the people. Understandably, the pursuit of democracy is a difficult and organic process. America’s 39th President, Jimmy Carter, once stated that, “The experience of democracy is like the experience of life itself — always changing, infinite in its variety, sometimes turbulent and all the more valuable for having been tested by adversity.” Nigeria as we see today is still in this democratic stage of adversity and turbulence. We have endured term-limit challenges, the untimely death of a President, and the constitutional transfer of power to another, survived a painful civil war and a pattern of military coups, even now insecurity still persists, corruption is rife, but amidst these challenges, we have to acknowledge the silver lining that is gradually emerging in some key sectors of the economy no matter how faint it may be.
But there are indications suggesting that countries in transition remain quite prone to backsliding and failure. This is why we must never take it for granted that our democracy is secure. We may have survived four back-to-back elections and create the illusion that our democracy has been strengthened. These are inadequate indexes to draw conclusion on a stable democracy hence, active citizen participation and open public involvement in all aspects of government is an essential component of Nigeria’s promising future.
We know that government can’t solve all our problems – and we don’t expect it to. But we also know that government must necessarily stand up to its responsibilities. There are some things we cannot do on our own and we also know that there are some things we do better together. Nation-building is a collective effort hence, we must all display high sense of responsibility in all our endeavours, and it is the aggregation of these responsibilities that would make a great nation.
We are a people with rich history and diversity. Therefore, we must continually express our shared values in order to strengthen our national consciousness and patriotism; repeatedly promote enterprise development as well as wealth and job creation; re-inspire a sense of unity in all Nigerians and promote our national image and enhance the nation’s prestige. The proposed national conference presents a great opportunity for the many wrongs and injustices in our nation to be addressed. Thus, we must not scuttle this seemingly ‘last chance’ offered to us.
Our most valuable and most dynamic resource is our people. They are entrepreneurs, government officials, civil society activists, farmers and shopkeepers, students and youth who have constantly demonstrated intelligence, drive, and ability. Having these qualities therefore, we must decide the kind of government we want, especially in the coming national conference and then insist, even demand, that our leaders honestly represent our collective interests.
