Dr. Sunny Oby Maduka, a renowned author and management consultant, has expressed his disappointment with Nigeria's democratic system, stating that it has failed to produce the best leaders. In his article, "Nigeria Democracy Has Never Given Us Our Best," Dr. Maduka likens the situation to a village where a stream is clean at the source but becomes muddy by the time it reaches the homes. He argues that Nigerians are blaming the wrong factors for the country's leadership problems.
According to Dr. Maduka, democracy was not designed to automatically produce saints, but rather a system that allows for the peaceful removal of bad leaders. However, Nigeria's current system rewards resources, connections, and the capacity to win, rather than vision, character, and competence. This, he believes, is why the country continues to struggle with bad leadership. Dr. Maduka also notes that the most important election in Nigeria does not occur during general elections, but rather during party primaries where delegates are bought and godfathers anoint candidates.
Dr. Maduka criticizes the current state of political parties in Nigeria, describing them as toll gates rather than gateways. He argues that individuals must pay a "gate fee" to pass through, which includes cash, loyalty to a godfather, and sacrificing one's conscience. As a result, qualified individuals such as professors and doctors are often excluded from the political process, while those with the means to pay the toll are able to secure positions of power.
The author also touches on the issue of spirituality, describing the current state of Nigerian politics as a betrayal of the country's destiny. He argues that God has given every generation the leaders it deserves, but if the system only allows "stones" to pass through, then that is what the country will get. Dr. Maduka calls for a change in the way Nigerians approach politics, urging citizens to demand more from their leaders and the system.
Dr. Maduka highlights the importance of democracy's ability to correct itself, but notes that this is not possible if the system is rigged against the people. He argues that citizens must become more involved in the process, demanding transparent primaries, a rule of law that bites, and an independent electoral commission. Only then can Nigeria's democracy begin to produce the best leaders.
To achieve this, Dr. Maduka outlines five key demands: parties with transparent primaries, a rule of law that has consequences, a truly independent INEC and courts, an uncompromised justice system, and a new citizen consciousness. He argues that citizens must start voting for performance rather than tribe, religion, or party affiliation. Only then can Nigeria begin to make progress.
In conclusion, Dr. Maduka calls on Nigerians to take responsibility for their democracy and demand change. He argues that it is time for citizens to "climb the hill" and clean the "filter" that is clogging the country's democratic system. By working together, Nigerians can create a better future for themselves and their country.
Key points
- Dr. Maduka argues that Nigeria's democracy rewards the wrong qualities, such as resources and connections, rather than vision, character, and competence.
- The author calls for transparent primaries, a rule of law that bites, and an independent electoral commission to fix the country's democratic system.
- Dr. Maduka urges citizens to become more involved in the process, demanding more from their leaders and the system.
