Leaders weigh in at colloquium
- Democracy has now become representative democracy – Obasanjo
- Weaponisation of religion is a big problem in Nigeria -Bishop Kukah
- Everything has been knocked down, nothing works – Obi
- We need to chase out the bad operators of democracy –Tambuwal
- We need a new constitution to address many challenges –Anyaoku
- Nigeria is making steady progress despite varying challenges –Abbas
Nigerian leaders have expressed deep concerns that the country’s democracy is struggling to stay afloat, facing numerous significant challenges. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Peter Obi, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Aminu Tambuwal and Emeka Anyaoku all expressed concerns that democracy is not working in Nigeria. These elder statesmen, who gathered at a colloquium in commemoration of the 60th birthday of Emeka Ihedioha, former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, highlighted the need for urgent reforms to address the country’s challenges.
Obasanjo specifically noted that democracy, as currently practiced in Nigeria and much of Africa, has failed to meet the needs of the people. The event, held at the Abuja Intercontinental Hotel, was also attended by other notable figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Aminu Masari, immediate past Governor of Katsina State; and Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives. Obasanjo’s words echoed a sentiment shared by many: “Is democracy failing in Africa? Are we talking of democracy or Western liberal democracy?” Obasanjo’s concerns about the suitability of Western-style democracy in Africa are rooted in the continent’s unique cultural and historical context.
He argued that Africa had its own forms of governance, which prioritised the needs of the people, long before the advent of Western democracy. This perspective is reminiscent of Abraham Lincoln’s definition of democracy as “a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.” However, Obasanjo noted that the current state of democracy in Africa falls short of this ideal. The shift from direct democracy to representative democracy has created a system where not everyone’s needs are being met. This has led to widespread disillusionment and a sense that democracy is failing Africa.
Obasanjo’s statement also touched on the issue of justice and the rule of law. He lamented that in Africa, people are often advised to seek justice in court, despite knowing that the system is flawed and may not provide a fair outcome. This highlighted the need for a more nuanced understanding of democracy, one that takes into account the specific challenges and context of Africa. He urged Africans to reclaim democracy and make it their own, rather than simply adopting Western models.
According to him, by doing so, Africa can create a system of governance that truly reflects its values, culture, and history. In his words, “We should remember that in Africa, we had a form of government which attended to the needs of the people. That is democracy. “Abraham Lincoln describes it as a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. But what do we have today? The Greek democracy affects everyone but democracy has now become representative democracy and it hasn’t taken care of everyone.
“Democracy in Africa has failed because it’s not African, it doesn’t have our culture and way of life. You will say, go to court when you know that you can’t get justice. Democracy is dying in Africa and to save it, it should be made in the context of Africa.” In a bold and unapologetic speech, Most Rev. (Dr.) Bishop Matthew Kukah, Bishop of Sokoto delivered a scathing critique of Nigeria’s democracy during his keynote address titled “Is Democracy Failing in Africa?’’ The prelate’s address cut to the heart of the country’s democratic struggles, highlighting the flaws and shortcomings that have plagued Nigeria’s system of governance.
At the forefront of Bishop Kukah’s critique was the issue of religion and its role in Nigerian politics. He lamented the “weaponisation of religion” in Nigeria, where Christian and Muslim prayers have become divisive tools rather than unifying forces. This, he argued, has contributed significantly to the country’s democratic woes. He said, “No constitution will be better than the Bible and Koran. Yet, we are still living in sin. The problem is that in Nigeria, the issue of Christian and Muslim prayer is not the best. The weaponisation of religion is a big problem in Nigeria. “
Democracy is work in progress. God doesn’t discriminate between Christian or Muslim prayers. There is no discrimination. We are children of one God. If we are not treating each other rightly, one of them must be a bastard. “Democracy and its principles are endless contests. There are certain things God has given us which people can’t control.”
The Bishop of Sokoto also tackled the notion that democracy is a one-size-fitsall solution, emphasising that Africans inherited a system that may not be entirely suited to their unique cultural and historical contexts. He drew parallels between democracy in Asia and Africa, citing Singapore as an example, and questioned the relevance of Western-style democracy in African societies. Furthermore, Bishop Kukah expressed sympathy for Nigeria’s judges, who are often pressured to deliver justice in a system that is fundamentally flawed. He advocated for a thorough overhaul of the system, emphasising that democracy is, above all, about justice.
In a particularly poignant moment, he asked, “How do we know if democracy is working in Nigeria? Do we measure democracy based on the things we wish ourselves?” This question struck at the heart of Nigeria’s democratic struggles, highlighting the need for a more nuanced and contextual understanding of democracy. The prelate enjoined Nigerians to re-examine their democratic system and strive for a more inclusive, just, and equitable society. Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, declared that democracy is not working in Nigeria. Obi lamented that everything that was built since Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999 has been knocked down.
He said, “They started in 1999, and laid the foundation. Some people came and took it to the decking while others were trying to raise it to the first floor. And then, some people came and knocked everything down. “That is the situation we are now. Everything has been knocked down. Nothing works. I am somebody who can say this exemplarily. I became a governor through the court when President Olusegun Obasanjo and Vice President Atiku Abubakar were in government.”
Obi’s statement was a far cry from the usual diplomatic rhetoric. He shared personal anecdotes, highlighting the stark contrast between Nigeria’s past and present democratic experiences. Obi recalled how he became governor through a court ruling without paying a dime, and how President Obasanjo intervened on his behalf when he was being impeached. However, Obi’s tone turned sombre as he described the current state of democracy in Nigeria. He asserted that the progress made since 1999 has been eroded, and that the country’s democratic institutions are being undermined. Obi’s words were laced with a sense of urgency, as he warned that democracy is collapsing in Nigeria.
In a surprising twist, Obi suggested that Nigeria should adopt the Indonesian model of democracy, which is based on proportional representation. This, he argued, would provide a more inclusive and representative system of governance. Obi’s statement has already sparked a reaction from the presidency, with Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy, describing Obi as a “failed politician” who doesn’t understand the meaning of democracy. However, Obi’s words have also resonated with many Nigerians who are frustrated with the country’s democratic trajectory.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenges of democracy, Obi’s remarks serve as a timely reminder of the need for critical reflection and reform. Will his call to action be heeded, or will it fall on deaf ears? Only time will tell. On his part, Sen. Aminu Tambuwal, the former governor of Sokoto State, underscored the importance of accountability and adherence to democratic principles in Nigeria. Tambuwal stressed that democracy can only thrive if its actors play by the rules. He drew on his experience during the Obasanjo administration, when a state of emergency was declared, and the National Assembly worked together to pass the emergency measure with a 2/3 majority.
Tambuwal noted that each member had to vote, demonstrating a sense of unity and commitment to democratic processes. The former governor said, “Democracy will work if the actors play by the rules. It’s work in progress. Under Obasanjo, a state of emergency was declared. The NASS worked together to ensure that 2/3 majority passed the emergency. “Each member had to vote. In this same NASS, we have the same constitution.” However, Tambuwal expressed worries that the same National Assembly, with the same constitution, has struggled to replicate this level of cooperation and accountability in recent times. He posed a poignant question: “What happened in the last one?” He enjoined Nigerians to take a stand and push out those who are misusing democracy.
Tambuwal posited, “We need to chase out the bad operators of democracy.” Nonetheless, the lawmaker highlighted the need for reflection and reform within Nigeria’s democratic institutions as he stressed the importance of accountability, cooperation, and adherence to democratic principles. In same vein, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Commonwealth Secretary-General called for true federalism and stable democratic governance Anyaoku, who played a crucial role in helping Commonwealth members transition to multi-party democracy, emphasised the need for a new constitution to address Nigeria’s numerous challenges. According to Anyaoku, true federalism is the key to managing national issues effectively. He lamented the recent coups in Mali and Niger, which he believes is a step backward for democracy in Africa. Anyaoku also criticised the nature of politics and the conduct of politicians in Nigeria, stating that they have become instruments for capturing political power rather than serving the people. Anyaoku charged Nigerians to work towards achieving true, stable democratic governance.
He believes that this is the only way to rid the country of the crises that impede development. Furthermore, Anyaoku emphasised the need for Nigeria to move away from a Eurocentric narrative and instead develop a democratic system that is tailored to its unique needs and context In his words, “We need a new constitution to address many challenges. True federalism is the answer to the management of national issues. The recent coups in Mali and Niger tend to take us back. “
The nature of our politics and the conduct of our politicians is another problem of our democracy. They have become instruments of capturing political power. It’s only true, stable democratic governance that can rid our country of the crises which impede development. “I believe that Nigeria can change this Eurocentric narrative. We in Africa and Nigeria have a responsibility to get a stable democracy and change the Eurocentric narrative.” Anyaoku enjoined Nigerians to take ownership of their democracy and work towards creating a brighter future for all. Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives offered a nuanced perspective on democracy in Africa and Nigeria. He underscored that the success of democracy depends on how it is implemented and understood on the continent.
The House Speaker acknowledged that democracy has become an acceptable model of leadership in Africa and Nigeria over the past two decades. Abbas expressed confidence that democracy has come to stay in Nigeria as he noted that the country is making steady progress, despite significant challenges He said, “For me, it depends on what we make of democracy in Africa. Only by understanding that, and deeply reflecting on it, can we be in a position to say if democracy has added value to development and growth in the continent or not. “For me and the 10th House of Representatives, democracy has come to stay in Africa and indeed, Nigeria.
It is a process which over the past two decades has crystalised into an acceptable model of leadership and it is being consolidated in our nation. Nigeria is making steady progress, despite varying challenges characteristic of a developing nation. Abbas’s remarks are one of cautious optimism. While acknowledging the challenges facing Nigeria and Africa, he believes that democracy has the potential to drive growth and development, as long as it is implemented thoughtfully and with a deep understanding of the local context.
