Nigeria recently marked 27 years of unbroken democracy, a feat that has been met with mixed reactions from citizens and experts alike. Civil rights lawyer and former national president of Committee for Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Malachy Ugwumadu, shared his thoughts on the country's democratic journey. According to Ugwumadu, while it is gratifying that Nigeria has maintained civil rule for 27 years, what matters most is the quality of that civil rule and its impact on the lives of citizens.
Ugwumadu emphasized that Nigeria's democracy has shown a mixed bag of progress, with some positive developments and significant challenges. He pointed out that free speech, a crucial parameter of democratic rule, is relatively robust in Nigeria, with a vibrant media landscape. However, he noted that there have been cases of harassment and detention of journalists, as well as the controversial section 24 of the cybercrime Act, which has raised concerns about media freedom.
The independence and impartiality of the judiciary are also critical components of democratic rule. Ugwumadu acknowledged that the judiciary has faced significant pressure, particularly in politically exposed cases, which has affected its integrity. Despite this, he noted that many judicial officers in Nigeria are hardworking and upright, but even a few corrupt elements can undermine the institution's credibility.
Ugwumadu also discussed the state of civil society in Nigeria, noting that the energy to pursue activism has dwindled significantly. He attributed this to the struggles of everyday life, where many Nigerians are focused on survival, leaving little energy for activism or questioning government policies. The civil rights lawyer argued that the government is aware of this and often acts with impunity, knowing that citizens are preoccupied with basic needs like food, shelter, and healthcare.
Periodic elections are another aspect of Nigeria's democratic experience. Ugwumadu emphasized that elections should be a means to an end, with the ultimate goal of delivering dividends of democracy to citizens. However, he noted that the country's electoral process has not always achieved this goal, particularly in the face of insecurity and other challenges. The biggest responsibility of government, as captured in the 1999 constitution, is the welfare and security of the people, which Ugwumadu believes has not been guaranteed.
On the economy, Ugwumadu acknowledged that there are some positive developments, particularly at the macro level. However, he argued that these efforts have not been matched with corresponding initiatives to address the micro-economic challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians. The removal of petroleum subsidy, for instance, has exacerbated the struggles of the already impoverished, with 133 million Nigerians captured as multi-dimensionally poor.
As Nigeria continues to navigate its democratic journey, Ugwumadu's insights highlight the need for a closer examination of the country's progress. While there are certainly achievements to be celebrated, there are also pressing challenges that require attention. Ultimately, the quality of Nigeria's democracy will be measured by its impact on the lives of its citizens, and Ugwumadu's comments serve as a reminder that there is still much work to be done.
Key points
- Nigeria has maintained 27 years of uninterrupted democracy, but challenges persist.
- The quality of Nigeria's democracy is a concern, with issues like free speech, judiciary independence, and economic development.
- Many Nigerians continue to struggle with basic needs like food, shelter, and healthcare, undermining the effectiveness of democracy.
