“Democracy is the worst form of government, except for the others”. Those are the immortal words of Winston Churchill.
Now, why would a whole Winston Churchill call the form of government that gives power to the people, the worst? Was he just being selfish?
When I close my eyes, I still remember my social studies teacher drilling into me, “Democracy is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people”. This translates to a government borne out of the masses, voted by the masses and working for the masses.
In theory, democracy should be the best form of government (note the keyword: should be).
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Types of Governments
Before we go on, though, it is pertinent that I provide you with succinct descriptions of the various forms of government.
Monarchy
The oldest form of government in which a king or queen is the head of the state.
Oligarchy
The collection of individuals ruling over a nation.
Dictatorship
In a dictatorship, a person or a small group possesses absolute power without effective constitutional limitations.
Authoritarian
Power is held by a small group in this type of government. It can be difficult to understand because they still hold elections and have other branches of government.
Totalitarianism
Here, government attempts to assert total control over the lives of its citizens. They control all aspects of individual life through coercion and repression.
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Theocracy
This is a government by divine guidance or by officials who are regarded as divinely guided.
Autocracy
A small, elite ruling class has power over those in lower socioeconomic strata.
Technocracy
No, I didn’t say Tekno is crazy. Technocracy. A government controlled by technical experts and scientists.
Military dictatorship
This type of government is formed when the military takes control of power in a country.
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Democracy in Nigeria
The idea of democracy in Nigeria started in 1999 when we gained independence. We have come leaps and bounds since then and have enjoyed unemployment, recession, corruption and insecurity. This begs the question, is democracy the best form of government in Nigeria and for Nigerians?
Do we practice True Democracy in Nigeria? Is there a need for a new form of government or the re-conceptualization of democracy?
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Democracy was birthed at a time in Nigeria when all other forms of government proved insufficient and failing. It gave hope to the people.
The sole idea of power being in the hands of the people excited them and seemed like the preferred option to Dictatorship, Authoritarianism, and Totalitarianism, amongst others.
It is a very conflicting issue because I wouldn’t want to pick any form of government that takes power out of my hands. But in reality, is democracy just a mask for the summation of all other unwanted forms of government?
Goodluck Ebele Jonathan said Nigeria is moving gradually from democracy to dictatorship, Femi Falana said we practice plutocracy and Wole Soyinka thinks we practice fascism in Nigeria.
Just saying.
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True Democracy
Yes, there are different ideological definitions of democracy in Nigeria. These ideologies are borne to satisfy the selfish needs of the privileged minority preying on the majority. True democracy is keen on the inclusion of the people in the activities of the government. It sees governmental positions as service-oriented jobs rather than self-enriching avenues.
The only time true democracy was practiced in Nigeria can be dated back to June 12, 1993. M.K.O Abiola was the people’s choice and he was duly voted with anticipation that he would resurrect the country from its ruins. This was a clear reflection of the true power of the masses setting aside tribal, racial, and religious differences and consensually swearing in their choice.
The people were ready to take the blame for the consequences of their actions and Abiola was ready to serve. What a wonderful time that was.
Our wonderful story of democracy in its truest form is however dampened by the bitter actions of a select few. Nigerian leaders run a plutocratic-fascist-capitalist form of government in which there is no consideration of the people in their agenda.
What? You don’t believe me? Ask Atiku Abubakar if his manifesto does not entail privatizing public properties. Well, he said it’s for our good.
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In Nigeria Today, we practice electoral democracy. The people believe in their voting power and that is where they feel their power ends. Because, after voting, they are unable to hold the leaders to their promises made before they were elected, and the entire thing devolves into an authoritarian kind of affair.
Where is democracy in Nigeria?
To answer your question, there is no true democracy in Nigeria. A democracy that poses little or no threat to the government is what we practice.
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Is Democracy the best form of Government in Nigeria and for Nigerians?
I know what you’re thinking; is this even a question? Why should the Giant of Africa be ruled by a form other than democracy?
Relax, my dear. Every theory is up for debate. Nigeria is a country blessed with resources and has great potential to rise beyond the expected. This attribute draws the attention of every Tom, Dick and Harry, in hopes that they can get a share of the “national cake”.
Through carefully structured plans, our leaders have blinded us with the fake power of democracy in our hands and continued to rob us of our human rights and enjoyment.
When the foundation is faulty, the righteous can do nothing. With the ingrained nature of corruption in the country, democracy doesn’t seem strong enough to attack foundational issues. Should we long for something more erratic, decisive, and brutal? We cannot continue to recycle the same political parties with no ideological differences and believe democracy will save us.
It’s a rigged system, it might take something stronger to help.
Considering the capitalist nature of politicians and so-called leaders in Nigeria, democracy seems doomed to fail. Democracy and Capitalism are two separate ideologies that cannot co-exist. Democracy preaches economic equality while the latter glorifies the opposite; economic disparity and social inequality.
The political and social situation has continued to deteriorate under democratic rule. In simple words, Democracy has failed us.
Re-conceptualizing Democracy in Nigeria
There’s a popular proverb among my people, “breaking the head is not the solution to a headache”. Is it ideal to damn democracy as an effective style of leadership in Nigeria and move to another? Or can we just change the way we view democracy, redefine it, and hope the new model yields a better future?
Other forms of government are also decorated with loopholes and flaws. All forms of government are human-designed systems and should not be expected to be perfect.
Re-conceptualizing democracy has a lot to do with the following:
- Teaching the young ones about the full package of democracy thereby shapes their minds.
- Holding leaders accountable to their promises whilst observing changes in the world.
- Enlightening citizens about their human rights and encouraging them to observe them.
With the aforementioned, this will breed a new generation of democrats, an age where democracy is indeed a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
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In conclusion
I love democracy. No, scratch that; I love the idea of democracy. The idea of true democracy can be the form of government that, if utilized well, can shoot Nigeria back to its status as The Giant of Africa.
