Introduction to Democratic Challenges in Nigeria
Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Benue State, Prof. Sam Egwu, has alleged that every President of Nigeria since 1999 has consistently violated the Constitution and abandoned its fundamental principles of social justice and citizen welfare. This was as a 2027 presidential hopeful, Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, warned that democracy in Africa risks a relapse into dictatorship unless political leaders give governance a human face.
Successive Administrations and Constitutional Violations
Egwu stated this at the National Conference on the Future of Democracy in Nigeria, with the theme, ‘Sustaining Democratic Growth Beyond the Polls for Effective Governance’, organised by the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA) in Abuja. According to him, successive administrations have governed in breach of the Constitution while pursuing liberal economic policies dictated by global financial institutions, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), often to the detriment of Nigerians.
The 1999 Constitution and Social Democracy
He said, “I argue that we need to continue to pursue a real democratisation agenda and go back to obey the Constitution. If you read the 1999 Constitution, which is lifted from the 1979 Constitution, Chapter Two commits to the doctrine of democracy; it talks about the responsibility of government in terms of the welfare of citizens, as well as the responsibilities to citizens in terms of health and education. All the presidents that have come since 1999 never obeyed the Constitution. The 1999 Constitution commits Nigeria to a social democracy. What they have been doing is in breach of the Constitution. They have advanced liberal economic policies that contradict its core provisions on social welfare, health, and education.”
The Need for Democracy to Deliver
ALSO at the event, Olawepo-Hashim said democracy must transcend elections to deliver prosperity, jobs and hope to citizens, citing a former head of state’s comment that “people will not eat democracy.” He stressed that “unless governance translates into food on the table and improved living conditions”, democracy would lose legitimacy among the populace. “When democracy ceases to offer opportunity or hope, despair breeds nostalgia for authoritarianism,” he cautioned.
Economic Indicators and Democratic Legitimacy
Citing Nigeria’s declining economic indicators, Olawepo-Hashim noted that under a decade of the APC government, the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) had fallen from $574 billion in 2014 to $259 billion, reflecting worsening poverty and despair. Drawing parallels from history, he likened Africa’s democratic struggles to Europe’s experience after World War I, when fragile democracies crumbled under economic hardship and social division, paving the way for dictators such as Mussolini, Hitler and Franco. “If African democracies continue to produce hunger and insecurity, a relapse to autocracy is inevitable,” he warned.
Reaction to Amaechi’s Threat
IN a statement, yesterday, signed by Lagos APC spokesman, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, titled ‘Mobilise Who? A Politician Rejected at Home Cannot Lead a National Revolt’, the APC described Amaechi as a “political orphan” disowned in his home state of Rivers, nationally irrelevant and “steadily sinking into total political oblivion”. According to the statement, mentioning Amaechi’s name in political discussions in Rivers State today is viewed as a provocative joke, adding that a man who has lost his structure, followers and voice should not lecture Nigerians on mobilisation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the statements from Prof. Sam Egwu and Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim highlight the need for democratic governance to adhere to the principles of social justice and welfare as enshrined in the Constitution. The reaction to Amaechi’s threat by the Lagos APC further emphasizes the political tensions and challenges facing Nigeria’s democratic system. It is crucial for political leaders to prioritize the welfare and prosperity of citizens to prevent a relapse into authoritarianism.
FAQs
- Q: Who alleged that every President of Nigeria since 1999 has consistently violated the Constitution?
A: Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Benue State, Prof. Sam Egwu. - Q: What is the theme of the National Conference on the Future of Democracy in Nigeria?
A: ‘Sustaining Democratic Growth Beyond the Polls for Effective Governance’. - Q: According to Olawepo-Hashim, what is the risk if African democracies continue to produce hunger and insecurity?
A: A relapse to autocracy is inevitable. - Q: How did the Lagos APC describe Rotimi Amaechi?
A: A “political orphan” disowned in his home state of Rivers, nationally irrelevant and “steadily sinking into total political oblivion”.
Source: guardian.ng
