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Nigeria President Bola Tinubu
By Sadiq Muhammed
As we mark yet another Democracy Day, a compelling question arises: Is it truly worth celebrating? What have the masses gained from democracy? Let’s compare the military rule prior to the democratic government established in 1999. Have the living standards of citizens improved? In terms of security, economy, health, education, and socio-cultural aspects, is there any positive development?
Starting with the cost of living during Abacha’s regime, Nigerians were better off economically, socially, and in terms of security and health. In every sphere of life, our lives were better. Even the argument that there is now more freedom of speech is questionable, as the situation was arguably better during the military government. These so-called democrats are worse than Hitler, shamelessly enriching themselves and their families at the expense of the rest of us. At least during military rule, Zamfara, Borno, Kaduna, and the North Central region were peaceful. There was no Boko Haram, no bandits, no tribal militia killings. One could travel from Abuja to Kaduna without fear of being abducted.
In 20 years of democratic government, they have succeeded in destroying almost everything meaningful about the country. Even the national anthem has been affected. These democrats steal with impunity. The strain on the system could result in unrest or a possible uprising against the government. As things are going, it is unpredictable what will happen next. Democracy has become a curse to Nigeria and Nigerians. But then, we only have ourselves to blame. What do you expect from a bunch of individuals with questionable backgrounds? I remember a former senator from Nigeria, a retired police officer, once said he was in the Senate with criminals he personally arrested and prosecuted. People accused of being involved in drugs, fraudsters, and even armed robbers have found their way to the top, so what do you expect?
Until Nigerians rise to the occasion and elect people with proven track records of honesty and fairness, we are in for a long ride. As we proceed, there is every possibility the system will collapse due to the rate at which the public treasury is being looted. Soon, the country will go bankrupt. All this is brewing disaster ready to escalate. Democracy is a curse – a sad but hard truth.
Muhammed can be reached on [email protected],
08056859039
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