After 26 years of uninterrupted democracy, Nigerians are reflecting on the progress and shortcomings of the Fourth Republic. While the framework for a beneficial democratic system exists, its full potential remains largely unrealized. This ongoing dialogue aims to dissect what is functioning effectively and identify areas needing critical improvement to better serve the Nigerian people.
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki, chairing the occasion, acknowledged significant economic expansion from $57 billion in 1999 to over $243 billion, positioning Nigeria as one of Africa’s largest economies. He also highlighted developments in emerging sectors like Fintech, entertainment, and the creative industry, showcasing tangible growth within the democratic period. However, he cautioned that democratic continuity without quality may not equate to genuine success, urging a shift from mere survival to sustainable transformation.
Featured snippet paragraph: The core question is whether Nigeria’s 26 years of democracy have truly translated into a good life for all citizens, with access to quality healthcare, education, and basic necessities like clean water, and whether the current security situation is improving.
Saraki emphasized that beyond economic, educational, health, and infrastructural advancements, four critical issues are paramount for enhancing governance. These include ensuring judicial independence and swift justice, fostering improved moral standards and societal values, conducting an effective fight against corruption with clear consequences for bad behavior, and upholding the rule of law, culminating in credible elections.
He further articulated that history will judge leaders not by the longevity of the Fourth Republic, but by its effectiveness in serving the Nigerian populace and shaping democracy. This perspective underscores the importance of impact and tangible benefits for citizens.
The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, concurred that Nigeria has achieved a significant milestone of over 26 years of continuous civil rule, a feat unmatched by previous republics. This unbroken democratic dispensation has fostered greater political stability compared to the era of military coups, despite inherent challenges.
Oba Ladoja pointed to peaceful transitions of power, including instances where incumbent presidents conceded defeat and participated in handover ceremonies, as commendable achievements. He noted that these peaceful transfers are vital for national progress, especially when contrasted with political instability in other nations.
Further achievements cited by Oba Ladoja include expanded political freedom, allowing for easier party switching, and increased political participation, with greater visibility for women and youth. The recent EndSARS protests and subsequent youth mobilization demonstrate the growing influence of younger generations in the political landscape.
However, the monarch questioned the effectiveness of democratic institutions, particularly the electoral system, noting that a high percentage of election results are contested in courts, which are increasingly becoming the arbiters of electoral outcomes. This raises concerns about the true voice of the electorate being heard and the strain on judicial credibility.
Oba Ladoja stressed the need to ensure that the voice of the people truly counts, and that electoral choices, not court judgments, determine leaders. He also raised critical questions about economic progress, asking if it translates into a good life for all, with adequate access to healthcare, nutrition, and clean water, which are the real indicators of economic well-being.
Security was identified as a major area of concern, with a pervasive sense of unsafety due to the unpredictable nature of attacks. While acknowledging it may not be a full-blown insurrection, the prolonged duration of insecurity is a significant problem that affects all citizens regardless of their background.
Regarding corruption, Oba Ladoja observed a perception of exceptions being made, and questioned the independence and strength of anti-corruption institutions like the ICPC, EFCC, and police. He emphasized that officials, once sworn in, should act with integrity and impartiality.
Socioeconomic challenges, including access to quality healthcare and education, were also highlighted. The former governor lamented the large number of out-of-school children, questioning the nation’s commitment to providing education for all.
Mr Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, described democratic governance as a learning curve, a non-linear process shaped by human affairs and nature. He noted that Nigeria has successfully crossed the 20-25 year threshold often associated with democratic breakdown risks.
Dare affirmed that Nigeria is on a firm path of recovery under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, with a commitment to economic renewal and robust macroeconomic sequencing. He acknowledged that despite political distractions, the government is focused on delivery and governance, urging all Nigerians to join hands in the journey.
Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, offered a critical perspective, stating that the Fourth Republic, while democratic in form, is increasingly centralized and coercive in substance. He attributed its failures to structural issues, weak state capacity, and poor leadership quality, warning that continued erosion of public faith could have serious consequences for the Republic’s survival.
In conclusion, while Nigeria has achieved 26 years of uninterrupted civil rule, the framework for a beneficial democratic system is in place, yet its full potential remains largely unrealized, necessitating ongoing efforts to address critical areas for transformative change and improved citizen welfare.
