Consolidating the Gains and Reshaping the Future of Democracy in Nigeria

Peter B Bisong,Asira E Asira

doi:10.26858/pdr.v4i1.14527

Abstract

Nigeria has practiced uninterrupted democracy from 1999 to date. She has however, little to show for this long practice of what was hitherto perceived as the harbinger of good things. This paper argues that the slow growth of democracy in Nigeria, has nothing to do with a defect in democracy itself, but with the nature of Nigerians. Democracy viewed on its own is good, but the way it is practiced in Nigeria has made it not to flourish. The paper recommends steps to be taken by all Nigerians, in order to consolidate democracy and to reposition it for future dividend delivery.

Highlights

Consolidation carries with it ideas of achieving part or full of what one sets out to do thereby thinking ahead into the future how to maintain, sustain and retain the gains so far attained or obtained
Nigerian leaders could rightly be said to be the main culprit for the dilapidating state of the country, the followers cannot totally escape some of the blame
Everyone must interrogate his/herself to find out the extent to which his actions or inactions contribute to the plight of Nigeria

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Consolidation carries with it ideas of achieving part or full of what one sets out to do thereby thinking ahead into the future how to maintain, sustain and retain the gains so far attained or obtained. A spokesman for Save Nigeria Group, Abiodun Sowumi is one of those who believe that democracy has yielded much in Nigeria He argued that democracy had engendered freedom of choice of political leaders, made possible better system of accountability, improved freedom of expression and enhanced greater respect for human rights as well as economic progress among other gains. 16 years unbroken is the longest that we have experienced and for me it is a major achievement and that we have achieved this long of episode without compromising any of the freedoms guaranteed in the constitution is again a major achievement (Ogunbumi, 2015) On his part Clifford Ndujihe asserts that: There are certain gains that democratic rule in Nigeria has afforded us and they must be acknowledged despite all the shortcomings of Nigeria’s version.

Unity of Purpose

Mutual trust and respect

Good Leadership

Work against individual gratification

Findings

CONCLUSION