When we talk about democracy I believe we should be talking about freedom because we are choosing who wants,We often say it is the government of the people, by the people, and for the people, we choose who is leading us and not the other way around But looking at how it has been working in Nigeria, I sometimes ask myself if this definition is true in reality or just something we read in textbooks.
Since we returned to democratic rule, so many people believed that things would be better. We thought we can express ourselves the way we want and we will be heard and also things will change for the best, we all thought democracy would bring development, fairness, and equal opportunities. Yes, I can say there have been some improvements compared to military rule. At least we now have the freedom to talk, to criticize leaders without fear of being jailed, and to take part in elections. These are good things, and I will not pretend they don’t matter.
But beyond that, how much has democracy really helped the wellbeing of Nigerians? Every four years, we line up under the hot sun to vote for leaders, hoping that the people we elect will serve us well. Yet, most of the time, after elections, things don’t change much. The present situation in the country is one of the examples that we are facing a lot, after the election things get worse. Poverty increased by 100% people can no longer afford three square meals.
Let's not talk about unemployment, youth are now into shady business because no job, graduates are now into POS Business and the cost of living is killing the living now, many families cannot bear it anymore. People are struggling. If democracy is supposed to improve lives, why do many Nigerians feel abandoned and cheated?
One big problem is that elections in Nigeria are not always free and fair. There are cases of vote buying, rigging, and violence. Ordinary people like me begin to wonder if our votes even count at all. If a system that is meant to give power to the people ends up being controlled by a few powerful individuals, then is that true democracy?
Another issue is corruption. Too many of our leaders see public office as an opportunity to enrich themselves. They no longer serve the people instead they are serving their pockets. This makes it hard for democracy to work as it should. People lose trust in government, and when there is no trust, the relationship between leaders and citizens breaks down.
I don’t think democracy is bad. In fact, the idea is good. The problem is how we practice it in Nigeria. If we had strong and honest institutions, things would be better. Our electoral body, the courts, and even the police should be fair and independent. If they do their work without fear or favor, democracy will begin to work as it should.
Sometimes I think Nigeria can also try to mix democracy with some of our traditional systems. In many communities, traditional rulers still have a strong voice. If they work hand in hand with elected leaders, government may become closer to the people.
No system of government is perfect. But for Nigeria, democracy should not just be about voting every four years. It should be about making life better for the ordinary person. Good schools, good hospitals, good roads, and jobs for the youth. Until that happens, democracy will only be a name and not something we truly enjoy.
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This is my response to today's episode of Hive Learners community prompt of #hl-w181e01 which the topic is tagged DEMOCRACY
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