What is wrong with Nigeria Democracy and how can we salvage it.

This article is written with facts in mind and also based on actual situations on ground. It is benchmarked against other equally emerging democratic states as opposed to strong democracies like USA and UK to eliminate possible bias that might results from such comparison. Here objectivity trumps subjectivity as reality is accurately reflected upon given field engagement of real time issues. 

The gap between those who govern and the governed is widening and remains a huge concern if we were to achieve any democratic gains we anticipate or hope for. The recently released Mo Ibrahim index reports says that, there is a backward slide in African governance which indicates an ascendency in autocratic rule as opposed to democratic principles (Mo Ibrahim Foundation 2018). According to Cheeseman and Smith (2018:2) “African political trajectory is moving in the opposite direction”. This so much summaries what is actually the state of affairs in most African states and particularly on the subject matter which is the focus of this article. The big question that this article hopes to address are; what could be the cause for such democratic slide and how can we all be part of the solution?

This article hopes to explore possible causes and a probable way to counteract such negative outcome.
Firstly, Complaisance vis a vis activism in citizens. These two offers parallel view on human behavior. Complaisance equals pleasing at a cost to the followers.It equally entails going out of ones way to do the bidding of others and most often it goes against ones conviction which leads to indirect support of corrupt activity within the palace of power, simply because by tolerating we share in the criminal action because of our inaction. We can identify three set of individuals based on choice of responsibility. The first are those who play a part in keeping or maintaining what is there. The second are those people who do nothing about what is there and lastly, those who change what is there in this case what is good.

Activism implies doing something to change what is there in this case social change.We can choose to be complaisant by either sitting doing nothing or through supporting what is already there, the ultimate choice is yours to make.

Complaisance inadvertently allows for third party participation in the act of crime and this goes without saying “he who elects a corrupt politician is complicit of the crime they commit”. Whilst activism viewed from within these two dimensions ‘repertoires and agencies’ aims to organize society for political expressions to counteract anti progressive activities that set society backward.
These two are diametrically opposed and doesn’t presents a Hobson choice. For the society, a complaisant citizenry ends up bearing the cost of ineptitude given their acceptance as tacit support for their political activity which poses no challenge to their activities as opposed to activist citizenry who seek the best through expression of their choices-actively or pro-actively through social change. So for those at the corridors of power suppression of these rights are essential since those actions cost them greatly in achieving their political desires. These outright challenge remain central in the configuration within institutions of state power and gaging those who dare oppose them is a political strategy an autocrat seeks. 

When an individual expresses despondency in expression of these rights, like “what can we/I do?” It encourages opportunism on the part of corrupt politicians whom sensing victims blood given the weakness within the system coupled with lack of accountability goes on the onslaught for outright benefits derived from such institutional failure.
This question and corresponding responses from citizens reflects a high level of low moral in the political system within the state-despondency, that endures within the  society and this can only reproduce diabolical responses -total breakdown of law and order as is the case in most states within Nigeria. Given the above, the condition has created laws being flouted for the personal benefit for only a few. The question; Why does a politicians get away with murder? These responses gathered indicates the level of apathy expressed by and their eventual involvement in decision making process within the state- survival remains the ultimate goal for people’s coexistence-constant exploitative tendencies arising from total system failure. Each one fears for their lives and such fear becomes each ones archils hill, a single determinant for survival.

 The facts that the masses are denied good roads,hospitals without constant electricity at trauma units for patients, functioning security that does not intimidate nor extort money from them, whilst politicians live large on the masses sweat makes the leaders no better than muderers because their actions equal or are even worse to those who kill.
Secondly, Politics of the Ex’s, this equate to return of ex military personnel to the corridors of power as champions of democracy. The politics of the ex’s is not peculiar to Nigeria alone. With the dawn of democracy and the renunciation of military rule there exist new dawn of Ex’s. It simply means there are great drivers motivating some ex military to continued political activity one of such was to protect their accumulated wealth and this in itself hinder any chance for possible progress in these society with respect to attaining potential goods accruing from democratic rules. The return of these ex’s to officials governance or corridors of power in most cases tells a tale in lost fortune as many analysts would suggest. Since the new democratic dawn, Nigeria has actually not been spared of such ex military involvement and have as a result of this experience just one civilian government with no military link in the combined tenure of Musa Yar’Adua and Ebere Goodluck Jonathan. There are countries we can draw similar experiences with in which military play vital role in deciding how the country is governed like Egypt, Pakistan, Venezuela, Myanmar and recently Zimbabwe. These countries are look alike democratic states but deeper analysis suggests or indicates continued military shadow hanging over politics.The military are so powerful that they are unlikely to exclude themselves from the running of the state. The recent decision to chose sides in Venezuela shows a military that is truly partisan and can’t be said to be neutral. Much as the value of the military in maintaining countries stability should be applauded and should not be underestimated yet their presence in the political sphere remains a troubling factor to democratic sustainability to say the lest within emerging democracies.

The military controls a huge power in any given country but such control should always be aligned with the ultimate goal of nothing other than security from external aggressors. This could be made possible through reemphasizing civilian control in all military doctrine an example we can draw from countries like South Africa or Botswana to permanently instill and install democratic rules thereby eliminating fears that arises from possible military adventure. The unstabstantiated believe on messianic role of military has long been debunked as the Nigerian experience has proven and should be reasons enough to keep them not close to the corridors of power. It is important to reflect reality to the dangers that continued presence of Ex military who have hanged their uniforms to the comfort of power poses by their return to the development of strong democracy. It is important to emphasis that this article does not recommend recusal of Ex military but that given the length of time of their political activity in state like Nigeria building or cultivating strong democracy would always remain a huge challenge given the amount of power they have known to wield.
Thirdly, intersection between religion and politics. The combination of the above roams large and is without saying a magnified factor in states like Nigeria with various belief system that has significantly placed itself and hard to displace. The blind spot that exist between these two-politics and religion, remain very important and huge concern to country like Nigeria with other states with similar situation. For places where it is not properly managed it results into divisive politics as can be situated to Nigeria. Religion and politics cuts across the inner consciousness of every human being but maintaining balance between the two is very vital in the development and stability of any given states. At the heart of the vicious ethnic killings in Myanmar on the Rohingya according to Albert and Chatzky (www.cfr.org.2018) is religion alongside politics. Although Nigeria is not at war but the two factors continued to play a role in governance and can not be separated from issues that continue to plagued the country as a whole. The high level of intolerance given consciousness around nationalism with exploitative political settings gives room to people’s vulnerability within the political grouping as everyone is posed to take advantage to serves their interest.The role that politics and religion play is not one that we should turn a blind eye to given the Nigerian situation. And it plays into critical decision making processes-a selection of key role players in the body politics in decision making process within of the country,a factor that has not arguably gone well in Nigeria.

The other question at the heart of this article is how can we manage the situation so much so that it is curtailed and never remains a setback in sustainable democracy within Nigeria given the high propensity of corruption that affects all and sundry. The Nigeria situation as an emerging democracy is important to the continent drive for good governance, accountability and human rights. How can we achieve that given the current despondency and possible decay in our political life, a situation in which majority are outside the political establishment and only a few as 1% make decision for the rest? The unsustainable nature of the current situation requires all and sundry to re-evaluate the present to arrest the future. We can do this by not being apolitical to matters of accountability and good governance. We must seek change and demand it given the enormous power we wield in the voters registration card to which we can have a say on who represents us. We need to take back power from the corrupt and insist on making sure the constitution works for us.
What can we do?
To the many problems that hinders the sprouting of democratic values and the few mentioned above, one thing needs to be done and that is empowering the judiciary arms of government to be ever stronger, independent and impartial to perform their duty as ascribed by the constitution. This ensures that accountability can read as a rule book to which violators can be held to. An empowered judiciary under the constitutional democratic framework allows the judges to play fair without fear nor favor. In this way the masses can and would obtain justice from governmental actions that those who lead commit under the illusion of being powerful. The judges are crucial in making democracy illuminate the espouse virtue the people desire of. Through this way people can live without fear of being muscled out by thugs whom those meant to lead surrounds themselves with.

The principles of constitutional democracy should be cherished by all and sundry making it possible for both politicians and their fellowship to sign up to accountability. The recent action in South Africa whereby the leadership of ANC has to recall their president is an indication of internal accountability in view of public outcry to total disregard to primary function of governance.
Until such a time that corrupt politicians are treated like mass killers and are meant to wear right prison uniform for their acts with no prospect of abandoning the comfort of their prison rooms under presidential pardon, our democracy would continue to tither, remaining a shambles in the eye of the masses whom are yet to see the benefits of democracy playing victims to less than 1% political elite  who have shared power amongst themselves in a country of over two hundred million with huge well educated population.

Conclusion 

Should we resign to the biblical saying ‘To your tents oh Israel? I don’t think so. Make your mark this voting season and vote with a purpose at heart. 

The Night After Pill: A Rebuke of Populism

The night after pill:a rebuke of populism?

The recent election in the United States which split the two houses between Democrats and Republicans is a manifestation of unresolved issued when it comes to American politics. The big question in most people’s mind is whether this is a rebuke of populism or a clear indication that divided America is a reality. The later seems to hold water given the divisive nature of the process and by all accounts no clear winner emerged. 

The populism from all indication is a manifestation of certain societal inclination to what might ordinarily not acceptable. At the same time it is a reflection of where the society might be pointing to-a rejection to existing way of thought. Over the years we have seen both the elite and those closer to power deliberately drove policy without pulling the society they represent along. This was clear from the push by the people of Great Britain for an exist from Europe(Brexit) and it took other countries in other European States by surprise, not limited to Italy,Greece,Hungary and just like it happened in USA, countries in Latin America have not been spared with the recent election in Brazil.

The big question remains,have the political elites learnt anything yet?

The USA election as it stands shows there is still a long way to go until sanity reigns in the politics of many established democracies. And if such is the case, countries of the South should be asking themselves, are we next? But wait a minute,is there anything wrong in and with populism? Of course/not, the only obvious answer is, that citizens would continue to display displeasure as long as current elite fails to understand their needs,carry them along but are very quick always to find escape goats towards their inability to lead or simply show leadership. The realignment or the people’s alignment with anyone whom they feel offers something credible,something appalling to their senses would continue to shock the future of democracy. People want clarity to where am I going to find job,can I afford to pay my tuition or send my child to school, are their accountability on who and how my tax is used. This is also about taking back destiny of the future, not leaving it in the hands of few opportunistic cronies who are willing to serve their own interests. Trump is a manifestation of rejection by a class marginalized and it is a wake up call to other states.

From climate to societal demand for equality to other burning issues that hinges on everyday bread and butter, this is neither a win against populism or a rebuke rather it  is a clear indication that no one is certain as to where the tide might take us next.

Voices! Within and Without

No matter what they do
may not see you as one with us,
even as they drain off your strength
we are with you.

They may silence you through guns
hold you against your will,
as long as our pens rolls
we shall speak for you.

Humanity is still much alive.
Its only but a few who acts against all,
armed with nothing but destruction.
Still! we shall stand with you

Our pens are your voices,
your voices like a sharp sword.
Within and without from inhumanity.
We shall be for you

Without seeing you, mea culpa!
Silence a monster unattended.
As I search through my soul, seen you.
You keep my soul from dying out.

lessons from South Korea: Rise and Fall in Power.

The recent impeachment of a democratically elected first female president in South Korea is an interest driven topic discussion for one simple reason,the power of the people to reclaim their space-for lack of a better word. A brief summary to why she got impeached,'the suspicion she colluded with her confidante to extort money from businesses and committed other wrongdoings' (Associated Press;2017).

This discussion isn't about how/why she did it but rather about the right to hold elected officials accountable and how system works to ensure an impartial outcome when laws are flouted/despise or disregarded. In most part of the world political leaders get away with anything and everything from bankrupting the state to extrajudicial killing of citizens with no sanction or consequences,a perfect example coming to mind is the unlawful invasion of Iraq by Bush and Blair-b2 factor
The impeachment and eventual court ruling seconding such decision is to me worth highlighting as it shows strong institutional capacity,ability to respond in moment when needed most to avoid throwing the entire state into chaos- moments like these calls for immediate action across parties irrespective of the  party you support,contrast it to some countries or states where such are hard to come by. The ability to rise up to the occasion meant the state is more important than individuals and party they belong to. As a new state practicing democracy after deep long claw of dictatorship,it is worth a spot light.
To the ordinary South Korean,they showed ownership of their destiny as expressed by and through them during their election and when need arose,without abrogating their right of ownership responded accordingly to make sure they retain such ownership to the system they collectively agreed upon. Citizens rights does not cease nor end right after the election but is in continuum requiring constant vigilance at all time. In the case of south Korea, the state's various arms of government reciprocate each other  to keep the wishes of the masses alife irrespective of their divergent views. The state showed it does not depend on solely one arm of government but rather power revolves between the three arms and patronage cannot survive such system.
The right to be referred to as first citizen is everyones concern and the choice should be hotly contested reflecting the high regard such a position occupies in the masses minds as such requisites dedicated individuals who are ready to serve not to be served.
A rhetorical question may well be posed at this juncture: how have you safeguarded/reacted/shown ownership faced with similar situation? How have the other arms of government treated supposed inaction of one of their own. The actions of the presidents fellow party members may worth mentioning,some abandoned the party to vote with their conscience. We have seen situations contrary to the above mentioned example,collusion that aims to wrestle authority away from the people-rise of oppressive regime. We can at the same time draw comparism to events during the Arab spring with that of the aforementioned discussion on South Korea. Power collusion leads to oppressive outcome which back peddles democratic gains/processes and outcome, it results in a scenario of which we say"power corrupts and absolute power corrupt absolutely". Such as highlighted before feeds on patronage which the South Koreans refused to accept.
Power not backed up by authority fades away very fast as it open rooms for challenges not imagined example Syria,Burundi and Central African Republic. Legitimacy of power must have the blessing of the people with an effective three arms working mutually together not in competition of the other. Mutuality as opposed to competition bleeds a healthy democratic process and effective institutions within governance.
Power built on convenience dries up essence of democracy and are detrimental to the people's wishes example Zimbabwe. It is an unhealthy cohabitation of some sort amongst these arms of government  that leads to one arm of government total domination of the rest leaving them as a pawn-in this case used and abused by the executive. This has remained the challenge within the continent- interrupted checks and balances giving room to uncontrolled power exercise by an individual or group of individuals. Uninterrupted investigation an effective working system saw the fall of a sitting president,which is how democracy operates. Accountability of any office is vital to rooting corrupt practices,it is a one way stretch and should apply to all and sundry inspite of their offices or position occupied. We can draw a lot from the incidence in South Korea whom like most African states have seen fair share of dictatorship before and thereafter has made strives to improve for the seek of it's own people. We need to improve on our government and governance structures by eliminating current/future lone wolfism-individual bent on setting us back-capable of impacting us negatively as we continue to master the act of clean government through the practice of democracy. We the people own the government and not the other way round.

Moving The Goal Post

The global anti-migrant/foreign sentiment sweeping the entire world is both shocking and despicable. It is shocking because the world has moved past the nationalistic past-thanks to globalization which has brought the world much closer. It is despicable because the world can't turn the clocks hand backward. Xenophobia is becoming a political populist escapism,an anthem sang to please a section of the population,mostly the marginalized at the expense of selected group,only meant to sow seeds of discord-blame our woes on them for there is none other. This does not absorb the many ills or criminality of which migrants may be complicit in but we can't pick and choose when it is convenient for us.

From taking job to drug peddling and many other ascribed sins and crimes of migrants, they are easy target for which politician are quick to exploit with no intention of ever finding roots causes and solutions to. It is obvious that nationalistic beliefs still remain political undertones that finds solace amongst political power struggle which are thrown into public arena knowingly or unknowingly with the aim of gaining support,otherwise how can it be explained that legitimate businesses also become target of such nefarious activities for which no culprit ever gets found or prosecuted. By not addressing this stereotypical action,reactions to the symptoms remains the answer for which we are meant to believe actions are being taken while in actual fact it is a postponement of latter day evil, supporting the notion we have no intention or willingness to ever tackle or show readiness to confront the root cause.

Government should endeavour to tackle growing and ever increasing high level of unemployment by creating enabling environment for entrepreneurship to thrive. They should stop false hope of entitlement that negates realistic appreciation of the common threat that challenges us all. In this way the locals/indigenes can channel their frustration not on migrants who constantly are made escaped goats of failed policies.

(#xenophobia must cease)

UN the Center Stage for High Diplomacy.

The United Nations is and should remain the center of high diplomacy. Many may not see the need for such based on many decimal output that the organization has over the years produced. This should not be the case going back to the purpose of it's formation- to offers an important platform for practice of multilateralism for which the league of Nations was notorious and failed to succeed. States as it's major actors should make it a point to fulfill their duties with regards to their financial responsibility.

It should be a welcomed development that the public policy of the new USA administration,as a major funder to review it's financial contributions should not be viewed, as retro-program rather gives room for all other states to take up their responsibility with both hands. Am happy that the Trump administration see the importance of multilateralism in diplomacy and the role UN plays in providing this platform.

United Nations needs to change and change it has to,both in the way it conducts it's business to achieve much better result. Such change should not be an individual state driven responsibility but rather requires an active participation of all members nation to bring in much needed life to this prestigious organization so as to avoid the short lived effect that is the driving force at the moment. At the center of this remains individual state shouldering the bulk of the duty especially the financial aspect of it. The majority 193 needs to stand up and be counted revising the idea of "the piper dictates the tone". 

The USA, UN representative-Nikki Haley-could not have spoken at the right time and much better with emphasis on active states role to revive the fortunes of the organisation. States can show they value this organization by playing vital role in it's funding. This is both a duty and an obligation and gives all states a leveraging opportunity in equal voice and action. As a proposal going forward, all states should set aside a certain mandatory percentage of their annual budget as a funding model that can give a lifeline to this organization eliminating over dependency on individual state whims and caprice.

Recent Rise in Populism: Never Imagined But A Reality

There is a popular wise saying,'when truth becomes elusive and fails,lies flies'. This is a situation of today's world, it goes without saying and reality dictates this; when people are fed up, they react. This is an emotional realism resulting from built-up outcomes. The point remains, we have long written it off and today it is real. Populism have once again arose.

The co-habitation effect between truth and lies and the failure of the vanguard of truth to speak up or to ask hard question and insist on getting the truth and right answer has resulted in current scenario-a rejection of all things mainstream/ establishment. Simply put,the rise of populism is the result of long forgone human desire of equality,justice-the bastian of everything western that might very well be eroding. The inability to revise course with the clear writing very well on the wall meant that accountability has long gone in the diction of leadership.

Am an optimist not a pessimist,I believe that after desperation comes hope- this is for those who look on the positive side of life.

The Brexit, Trump election as 45th USA president and inward looking nations-adoption of nationalism and protectionism,which stirs us right in the face, all points to our failure as a collective,the fact that we have allowed few elitists with narrow interests to lead us on the wrong part to history without any checkmate is something of regret.

Truly, when fear steps in irrational response reigns. We have to remain calm to regain control of where/what/how we hope to see things done to achieve overall desire of all. Liberalism is not dead, what is comes from capitalism without control that keeps many out-right on the margins,with no hope of a better future.

Globalization must continue, much as we lament on it's ills, much more has and can still be achieved. We must not speak less but speak truth to power for a much better world,devoid of leaders with exploitative emotional tendencies.

Hope is not lost.