It’s Democracy Day, and everywhere you turn, people are either singing praises or hurling criticisms at the government. But let’s be real: What is Democracy Day? Does it even matter in the chaotic lives we’re living in Nigeria? We like to pretend we’re living the “Labour of our heroes past” dream, but are we really?
A Flashback to 1999: The Dawn of Democracy
The election of Olusegun Obasanjo to the presidency of Nigeria in 1999 was supposed to be a game-changer. Finally, after 16 years of military rule, Nigeria was to taste the sweet fruits of democracy. Nigerians were euphoric, thinking stability, peace, and prosperity were just around the corner. Oh, how little did we know.
Obasanjo, a Yoruba man who managed to gain support from beyond his ethnic group, was seen as a unifying figure. He wasn’t just another tribal politician. He had big plans to solve Nigeria’s perennial problems. He tried to distribute federal funds more fairly, reduce ethnic tensions, and even included representatives from all 36 states in his cabinet. But did it work? Let’s just say, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
What Exactly is Democracy Day?
Democracy Day is a national holiday in Nigeria commemorating the restoration of democracy in 1999. Celebrated on June 12, it was originally held on May 29 until 2018. June 12 was previously known as Abiola Day, celebrated in Lagos and some southwestern states of Nigeria.
Nigeria gained independence from Great Britain on October 1, 1960. For most of its independent history, Nigeria was ruled by military juntas, with brief periods of democratic rule, such as from 1979 to 1983 under Alhaji Shehu Shagari. The last major military ruler, Gen. Sani Abacha, died suddenly in 1998. His successor, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, promised a transition to democracy, leading to the 1999 elections and the presidency of retired Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo.
Initially, May 29 was celebrated as Democracy Day, marking the inauguration of Obasanjo. However, on June 6, 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari declared June 12 as the new Democracy Day to honor the democratic election of Moshood Abiola on June 12, 1993, which was annulled by Ibrahim Babangida’s regime. Abiola, who declared himself president, was later detained.
What Exactly Are We Celebrating
In 2021, data from the World Inequality Database revealed that over 40% of Nigeria’s wealth is controlled by the top 10%, while the bottom 50% hold a meager 12%. Should we even start explaining Nigeria’s problems? Are you not living through them daily? Especially if you’re a civil servant scraping by on a pittance while politicians thrive on looted funds.
We are suffering, no caps. What are we celebrating? School fees are high, and life is a struggle. Let’s hear what our politicians have to say.
Peter Obi’s Lament: Are We Truly Democratic?
Peter Obi, reflecting on Democracy Day, questioned if Nigeria is truly democratic. He pointed out the nation’s poor ratings in various indices, including the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, which ranks Nigeria as one of West Africa’s most dangerous countries for journalists. He urged the nation to build a new Nigeria grounded in democratic principles.
“As we build a New Nigeria, these tenets shall be the pillars of our true democracy. It is possible,” he added.
The former presidential candidate also lamented some of the ratings, which he said were indications that the nation is not truly democratic.
He added, “To further illustrate that we are not truly democratic and have only produced the vices enumerated above, we are now ranked as follows.
The 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) describes Nigeria as one of West Africa’s most dangerous and difficult countries for journalists.
Governor Sani’s Plea: Address Poverty and Unemployment
Governor Sani called on political leaders to tackle poverty, unemployment, and food security. He saluted the heroes who fought for democracy, such as Chief MKO Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, and others. He highlighted his administration’s efforts to uplift the poor, improve education, and boost agriculture in Kaduna State.
He said “On the auspicious occasion of Nigeria’s Democracy Day, I join our fellow compatriots and lovers of democracy to salute the men and women who laid down their lives for the enthronement of democracy in our dear country. I remember the inimitable Chief MKO Abiola, GCFR, legendary Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Chima Ubani and other pro-democracy, human rights and labour activists who fought the military adventurists to a standstill so that we can enjoy the freedom that comes with democracy.
“It is because of this realisation that since the inception of our government in May 2023, we have been running a pro-people and development-centered administration. We have committed ourselves to bringing succour to the poor, vulnerable and underserved in Kaduna State. We are revitalizing education to ensure accessible, affordable and quality education for children of the underprivileged in Kaduna State. We are boosting agriculture through sustained provision of agricultural inputs and equipment to smallholder farmers and small-scale agro-processors”.
Tinubu’s Promises: A New National Minimum Wage
President Tinubu, in his Democracy Day speech, announced plans to negotiate a new national minimum wage and send an executive bill to the National Assembly. He emphasized good-faith negotiations with labor unions and the importance of reasoned discussion and principled compromise in democracy.
“In this spirit, we have negotiated in good faith and with open arms with Organised Labour on a new national minimum wage. We shall soon send an executive bill to the National Assembly to enshrine what has been agreed upon as part of our law for the next five years or less,” the President said.
Reflecting on 25 Years of Democracy
Dear Nigerians, after 25 years of democracy, each election feels like a reminder of our struggles. Maybe we are still mentally enslaved, but we will not give up. Nigeria is ours.
Happy Democracy Day, Nigeria. This writer hasn’t seen light in over a month, but let’s keep the faith. Long live Nigeria.
