Democracy came back to Nigeria in 1999 with the former military head of state, Olusegun Obasanjo, being the president. Ever since, it has been moving from one turbulent moment to another in the selection of political leaders. As the years go by, things keep getting worse in the country. One would wonder whether it was the same democracy that helped Europe and America to develop that Nigeria has been practicing. It now becomes clear that Nigeria practices a system of government whereby the executive, legislature and judiciary swim in an ocean of wealth, luxury and comfort while the masses suffer, cry and die. The system of government being practiced in Nigeria is favourable to the politicians and judges only. The new Electoral Act 2022 which would have given the masses a chance to participate in the democratic electoral process was upturned, overturned and given a new interpretation by the ruling party and the Appeal Court Justices of the Election Petition Tribunals.
Read also: Don’t allow judiciary to interfere in our nation’s election again, Kukah tells Nigerians
More importantly, Nigeria is a country governed and ruled by the 1999 Constitution. The Constitution states that Nigeria shall be governed based on democracy and social justice. And that Sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom the government through this constitution derives all its powers and authority. Presently, the Appeal Court Justices and Supreme Court Justices can no longer give a fair, just and impartial interpretation of the Constitution because there is a financial inducement or because an Igbo man wants to be the president of Nigeria. The Constitution also states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. It is taken that when the executive misbehaves, we go to the judiciary, and if the legislature misbehaves, we go to the judiciary as well. Now, when the judiciary is corrupt and partial, what shall the people do? The question remains: where do we go from here?
If you’re a Nigerian and in Nigeria presently; you will discover that a lot of people on the streets, roads, and markets are just walking skeletons. Nigerians are hopeless and helpless. Not just that a lot of people are poor and hungry but they do not see an end or the possibility of things getting better. The will of the people has been subsumed in the decision and judgment of courts of law, the non-representatives of the people. The economy is stagnated and businesses have been stifled. The only person making cool money in Nigeria is the government. We live in a post-subsidy regime, but we hear often about ₦1.68tn fuel subsidy remittance by the government. The Federal Government had announced severally even in the just concluded ‘UNGA ’78 in the USA that it has been able to stop corruption by removing fuel subsidies. Measures and plans have been taken since the inception of the new administration on May 29, 2023 to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal.
Read also: Peterside: All eyes on the judiciary slogan non-offensive, supports its neutrality
On May 28, 2023, the price of petrol in Nigeria was ₦200/litre. But on May 29, 2023, the price jumped to ₦700/litre because of the removal of subsidy which favours only rich Nigerians. Now, marketers are warning that the price would hit ₦900/litre even with the re-introduction of subsidy. Within the second and third republic, in the 1980s, ₦500 could buy a motorcycle; ₦1000 could buy a Mercedes Benz car and ₦3000 could build a storey-building and furnish it. All these happened in the days of military rule. Today, Nigeria is in the fourth republic and she practices democracy as a system of government. ₦500 cannot buy a tuber of yam. $1 is equivalent to ₦1,010.
Yes, it is on record that Nigeria survived the 8 years administration of Muhammadu Buhari. During those years; cruelty, wickedness and evil reigned. Nobody did talk nor speak out even condemn what was happening. All the former political leaders that Nigeria had never dared to speak, perhaps, for fear of their lives and loved ones. Nigerians suffered, waited and some gave up the ghost. There was a sigh of relief towards the end of Muhammadu Buhari administration but it did not last long. Not up to one day after Buhari’s administration, the nation was plunged into a cesspool of oppression and desecration. Nigeria is in red and many folks have taken to theft, pilfering, stealing, pick-pocketing. You don’t need to be told but it would happen to you.
In addition, one of the basic desires of the soul is to live on and on. Self-preservation is the first law of nature. People may grow tired of aches and pains and the decrepitude of old age, but they do not grow tired of life itself. People are little creatures with big capacities, finite beings with infinite desires, deserving nothing but demanding all. However, Nigerians must understand that when a man is no longer afraid to die, he’s ready to live for the first time. The war between light and darkness always ends in favour of light. If we could look through mighty telescopes or listen to electronic soundings, we could hear and see the metallic stars which both Russia and America have put into space in the past years. None of these synthetic stars have brought peace to the world.
Read also: Advert regulators order removal of All Eyes on the Judiciary billboards
Finally, do we as Nigerians want what worked in the past to work for us again? Do we need to re-examine our method or effect a change? Are clinging to something that no longer fits us because it is easy and familiar? Do we need to become settled with what is happening or move on when we need to? Surviving in a situation with a cruel, corrupt and oppressive government can be extremely challenging. For now, avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself. Be cautious about discussing political matters openly, especially in public places or on social media. Prioritize access to food, clean water, and shelter. Keep yourself updated on the political situation through reliable news sources, both domestic and international. Knowledge is crucial for making informed decisions. Connect with like-minded individuals who share your concerns. Working together can provide safety and assistance in times of need. Maintain good physical and mental health through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress-relief activities like meditation or mindfulness. Document any human rights abuses or corruption you witness. This evidence may be valuable in the future. Prepare for unexpected situations, such as power outages, food shortages, or arrests, by having an emergency plan in place. Remember that oppressive governments can change over time, and situations can improve. Stay resilient, and don’t lose hope.
