All thanks to God for the opportunity to celebrate another democracy day, particularly this time in honour of one of our nationalistic and patriotic leaders, Chief MKO Abiola. The sacrificial life of this political sage, exemplified that of true philanthropist, generous and political gladiator who struggled vehemently against oppression and inequality. And also his efforts towards encouraging political participation, self-government and fundamental human rights of the citizens was not negotiable in our quest for survival and the stability of democracy in Nigeria. Although, the pursuit of executing his Democratic ideologies and reaching out to the poor masses out of his political magnanimity was nothing but, an enterprise in futility. Simply put; it was indeed ''mission impossible". Because he was gruesomely assassinated! No Wonder William Blum said:''no matter how paranoid or conspiracy-minded you are, what the government is actually doing is worse than you imagine". However, Chief MKO Abiola's death has brought about a rejuvenation in the process of democratic stability.
At this juncture, I want to believe that it is not an illegal act for me to pontificate on sensitive issues combating Nigeria's stability and progress, because I am a true citzen of this great nation and I have a right to express my cognitive knowledge about our situation!.
As we celebrate democracy day today, I need to reflect on certain things. But first, what is democracy? Etymologically, democracy is derived from the fusion of the two Greek words 'Demo' which means people and 'Kratia' which means rule or government. More so, according to Abraham Lincoln; democracy is defined as "the government of the people, by the people and for the people''. The question is, are we manifesting ideal democracy? Is democracy really worth celebrating in Nigeria? Is it not the case that the celebration of democracy is a mere demonstration of the characteristics of a charlatan, who hypocritially confesses what he does not possess- like impression without commensurate expression? To be sincere, in the process of time and down the line; corruption has not really allowed the demomstration of the ideal democracy in Nigeria to find cognitive expression.
Nevertheless, the struggles for the emancipation of democracy in Nigeria continue. We must have an idea of how Corruption has Retarded Development Of Nigeria and how Democracy And Rule Of Law Promote National Development. This is a bit of a paradox!
Well, to start it, what is corruption?
Corruption is dishonest or fraudulent conduct, and the misuse of entrusted power, such as Heritage, education, marriage, election, appointment, or whatever else for private again or for personal reward, especially financial gain.
Let me, as a matter of neccessity, say that corruption in Nigeria currently is an attitude endemic, which is also being greatly celebrated, most especially among our leaders. The endemic problem of corruption has caused us alot of valuables, denied us a number of significant and notable achievements and prevented us from getting a positive international recognition.
Corruption is the bane (annoys and causes problems) to Nigeria development and retards our economic growth.Corruption in Nigeria has deeply entrenched \ ingrained in the national ethics, politics, civil society.
Private and government efforts have been retarded due to incessant negative effects of corruption.
Corruption is a disease, which has dented our image.Corruption has deeply threatened the fabric of Nigeria.Corruption has wiped out jobs and has led to inflation of prices of goods and services. Corruption has drained the economy of resources which would have been used for common good. Corruption has increased uncertainty and risk in growth and development of the country. Corruption has brought increase in crime rate in the society which distorts the environment conducive for development. Corruption has retarded productivity of Nigerians. Corruption allows nepotism, favouritism as common norms in Nigeria.
More so, because of corruption, most of our leaders are defiants and not upholders of the Laws. Because of the deficit nature of corruption; we are being relegated to the level of defilement because we eschew righteousness. As a matter of fact; we now have righteousness deficiency! The Bible says: "righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people"( Proverbs 14:34.).
Speaking in retrospect, we have been disintegrated and fragmented and therefore needs to be reunified as one people. With all due respect to the dignity, integrity and stability of Nigeria; but it is a pity that our father's land has been severely ravaged by the drought and flood of corruption. That is, the negative effects of corruption. In fact, the hideous news about our persistent present state of corruption reverberates around the world now like never before! As a matter of urgency; this pathetic situation needs to be salvaged as soon as possible to avoid irreparable national pitfalls and a state of aporea (confusion).
Unfortunately, our culture which happens to be a factor of resistant to strange domination has also been ruptured by this monster, called corruption. In fact, it has severely eroded our permanent, organised and the repression of the cultural life of our people.
Oh Nigeria! A country which undoubtedly flows with milk and honey. The only country in the world that remains inherently indomitable in terms of natural resources with good vegetations, abundant human powers/resources and superfluous of intellectual capacities. Alas! Corruption has brought about rampage of scarcity, political instability and economic decadence. Because of corruption, the citizens seem to be treated with disdain. This is a conspicuous fact, but it is barbaric and mysterious malady
On the other hand, democracy and rule of law can promote national development if and only if we are willing to:
1. Practice the ideal democracy and allow the enactment of the rule of law
2. Have respect for the principle of rule of law.
3. Allow periodic, regular, free and fair elections.
4. Allow constitutional governance.
5. Allow effective/ popular participation.
6. Have respect for fundamental human rights of the citizens in the state.
7. Have tolerance of opposition...to mention few.
In addition to the foregoing, we must have an auspicious start all over again with determination and consciousness of positive change. We need true and sincere revisionists and revolutionaries who would be tenacious and audacious enough to be able to turn things around for our good! People, who by their selfless nature revivify and revitalize our national values, orientation, libration and culture! People who will be willing and moved with passion to prevent our land from political and economic Apocalypse!
Above all, as a nation; if the fear of God can become our cardinal desire, and set a high premium on the sanctity of humanity, then sooner than we can ever imagine, there will be political and economic amelioration rather than political and economic deterioration. There will be a noteworthy development in both governmental and non governmental parastatals. There will be a good atmosphere conducive enough for empowerment and enlightenment of the general populace. There will be progress, unity, harmony and peace in our dear nation. Though, we may be of different tribes, ethnicity, political beliefs ideologies, religious views....... but remember: we are one people created by one Almighty God, being strategically placed in Nigeria for a purpose, in which we shall be accountable! Therefore, let love reign both in words and also in deeds . HAPPY DEMOCRACY DAY!!!.
Written by: Omowumi Havilah (Latent Thought platform).
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