Ibadan residents, on Monday, assessed the 25 years of unbroken democracy in Nigeria, saying it had brought development and progress for the country in terms of the various achievements recorded in all spheres of life.
Some of them, however, said that the country had only attained civil rule without achieving democracy, insisting that their expectations were far from being met.
The residents expressed their opinions in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
A Director in the state Ministry of Information and Civic Orientation, Dr Anthony Ajayi, said that no Nigerian could deny the fact that democratic governance had contributed to his/her life either directly or indirectly.
“The commonest benefit of democracy is freedom of speech which enables us to speak out on any issue affecting the nation without any consequence, as experienced under the military rule.
“Succinctly put, democratic government in Nigeria has brought about positive turn-around in all sectors of the economy,” he said.
Ajayi noted that Nigeria, under democratic government, had recorded the establishment of many private tertiary institutions, thus giving the youth the opportunity of attaining their education potentials.
He, however, noted that the politicians and political office holders, who were key stakeholders in a democratic government, had performed below expectations, urging them to adjust.
Ajayi also identified corruption and nepotism as the major constraints to the delivery of democracy dividends in the country, saying that efforts should be made to nip the menace in the bud.
In his own opinion, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Adebayo Ojo, said that the only gain was the freedom of expression, which he ranked as the best dividend of democracy.
“Aside this, there is no other gain.
“The nation’s economy, including education, security and defence, is nothing to write home about, as no one needs data to know that things are very bad; it is what everyone can see.
“The price of items keep soaring. If you compare the prices with those of last year, you will see that prices of some things have gone over 100 per cent. There is an alarming increase, yet salaries and wages are still the same,” he said.
Ojo, a former Oyo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, noted that 80 per cent of Nigerians were now living below the poverty level.
“The standard of living is worse off; nothing has improved. We only hope that President Bola Tinubu’s administration will get it right before the end of his administration,” he said.
Another legal practitioner, Mr Oluwatobiloba Fatoki, said that democracy had not lived up to its definition of being government of the people, by the people and for the people in Nigeria.
To Fatoki, the democracy that the country is practising allows for periodic elections, but it has, oftentimes, not given the masses the right to choose leaders of their choice.
He stated that democracy had not been firmly rooted in Nigeria, as free and fair election, which is one of the tenets of democracy, had not been upheld.
“For democracy to really be for the people, the security and welfare of the masses should be of paramount interest to the government.
“We appreciate government’s efforts so far in the area of security, but it is their sole responsibility to make the society sane and safer, as security of lives and property is vital for the survival of our democracy,” Fatoki said.
Also speaking, the Co-Chairman, Oyo State Advisory Council, Dr Saka Balogun, said that Nigerians had partially experienced dividends of democracy in last 25 years.
Balogun, however, said that people’s expectations had been dashed, as they had gotten starvation and insecurity rather that what they had expected.
“So, it is a mixture of both positive and negative experiences, but more of negative than positive, and we hope it will get better,” he said.
Balogun said that for Nigerians to enjoy dividends of democracy, the three tiers of government must function independently.
In his own submission, a former Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Prof. Daud Noibi, urged Nigerians to be grateful to God for whatever achievements the country had recorded in the last 25 years.
Noibi said there were many countries that had yet to achieve what Nigeria has achieved, stressing that the country should not rest on its oars.
“There are still lots of things to do, not only on the part of the government, but also on the part of the citizens.
“The citizens, businessmen and women and everyone must have a say in democracy, and government must guarantee freedom of companionship and provide opportunities for the citizens.
“So far, we are not doing badly but we should not rest on our oars,” he said.
Dr Bolaji Salako, a Consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist, said that democracy in the country over the last 25 years had recorded both gains and challenges.
“During this period, we have witnessed several transitions from one civilian government to another through electoral processes, which has created stability in politics and governance.
“There has also been progress in strengthening democratic institutions, such as Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary.
“However, issues like electoral fraud and political corruption have remained significant challenges.
“Social development, particularly in education and health, has seen some improvements in accessibility, but the quality and reach remain inconsistent.
“Issues like high illiteracy rate, inadequate healthcare infrastructure and poor service delivery are still prevalent.
“Government’s efforts have been channeled toward moving the economy away from oil dependency, with some success in sectors like agriculture, telecommunications and entertainment.
“But despite these, the economy still remains highly vulnerable to oil price fluctuations,” he said.
The medical expert also noted that infrastructure development, particularly in urban areas, had seen some improvements.
“However, many rural areas still lack essential services, such as electricity, clean water and good roads.
“There has been an improvement in freedom of expression and the press.
“Though some journalists and activists still face threats and harassment, nevertheless, a vibrant civil society has emerged, playing critical roles in advocating for human rights and holding government accountable,” he said.
Salako, however, commended the Tinubu-led administration for taking some bold steps to restore the economic integrity and political stability of the country, with a view to ending corruption, wastage, insecurity and economic disparities.
He called on Nigerians to change their mindsets and attitudes, and be ready to make sacrifices in the interest of growth and development of the country.
On best ways to enhance democratic practice in Nigeria, he suggested a multi-faceted approach, including addressing various political, social and economic challenges.
“We will need to strengthen our institutions, such as having an independent judiciary, capable of upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens’ rights.
“Promoting good governance involves accountability and transparency. We need to implement strong anti-corruption measures and ensure transparency in the running of governmental affairs.
“Public officials should also be held accountable for their actions, while there should be public participation in the running of government through civic education.
To Prince John Karunwi, Oyo State Chairman, National Association of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (NASME), Nigerians should show more commitment, while those in positions of leadership should be more concerned about people’s welfare.
“Leadership by example and people-centred policies will go a long way in rekindling the hopes of the masses.
“Reduction in the cost of governance will also be very helpful as well as creating an enabling environment for small businesses to grow and large businesses to thrive, particularly those in the agricultural value chain.
A financial expert, Mr Sola Famakinwa, said that expectations of majority of Nigerians had been dashed, as the country still faced series of challenges in the areas of security, poverty, corruption, ethnic disturbances and under-development.
“Dividends of democracy are only enjoyed by the upper class of the political elites, hence the need for sincerity in the fight against corruption.
“We should do away with godfatherism, reduce cost of governance, provide basic infrastructures and constitutional amendments, and ensure good leadership system,” Famakinwa said.
