Democracy, according to the foremost American President, Abraham Lincoln, is the government of the people, for the people and by the people.
Going by this definition, excluding the years 1979 - 1983, it is assuring to say that Nigeria has experienced uninterupted democratic rule in the past 18 years (1999-2017).
Within this period, Nigerians have seen the ups and downs of democracy but it is certain to note that despite the odds that have come with democracy, the benefits obviously overwhelms any argument or postulations by anti-democracy.
Obviously, people, majority have participated fully in decision making of the country against the military rule that few military officials took decisions of what happens and how it happens in the country.
It was against this background that led Chief Obefemi Owolowo quoted to have said “that the worst civilian administration is better than the best military administration”.
Though the history of democratic rule in Nigeria will be incomplete without taking cognizance of the adverse effect of the military rule and how democracy finally came into being.
According to historians, the first military coup by Major Kaduna Nzeogwu on January 15, 1966, truncated the first civilian rule in Nigeria under the leadership of Alhaji Abubakar Tafewa Balewa, since then, Nigeria has witnessed several military coups, civil war, interim government etc.
Within this period the Media, Civil Liberty Organizations, Political Activists and Foreign bodies had agitated for the return to democracy. Notable names among the agitators for democratic rule includes; Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Gani Fehwemmi, Dr. S. Tai , Prof. Wole Soyinka, Ray Ekpu, Fela Kuti etc. In the process, lives were lost, properties worth millions of naira destroyed, some of the Activist detained at regular intervals for the audacity to challenge the efficacy of the military administration.
Therefore, the choice of May 29 of every year to commemorate democracy by Nigerians is primarily to evaluate the long winding journey of democracy.
Kudos to General Abdusalami Abubarkar for the very important role he played for the success of democracy in the country.
However, an objective assessment of the performances of Presidents within this period including Olusegun Obasanjo, late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and Mohammadu Buhari, we can say with certainty that democracy is steadily advancing on daily bases.
In Akwa Ibom State, like other states of the federation, the people have witnessed tremendous human and capital development within this period, successive administrations, including Arch Obong Victor Attah, Senator Godswill Akpabio, had laid solid foundations for Governor Udom Emmanuel to consolidate and build upon.
Today the State can boast of good road networks, good health facilities, flyovers, regular payment of salaries, empowerment and skill acquisition programmes etc.
There is therefore a compelling need for all hands to be on deck, like American President John Kennedy once said “Think of what to do for the country and not what the country should do for you”.
The desired democracy in Akwa Ibom State will remain a mirage until the citizens learn to contribute their quota meaningfully to the success of democracy in the state.
Finally, let us be guided on the words of the Indian Prime Minister, Jazar Nehro who said “No nation can ever be civilized when the citizens fold their hands to watch, somebody must work for it”.
Happy Democracy Day!
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