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By Seyi Babalola
Seun Onigbinde, CEO and Co-Founder of BudgIT, a civic-tech organization, has reinstated that Nigeria’s democracy remains crippled due to inadequate governmental institutions.
Onigbinde stated that the country’s institutions are required to be completely loyal to the people and the constitution, rather than the government in power.
He made this known at the special edition of The Platform Nigeria, a program aimed to discuss the state of Nigeria’s democracy, hosted by a popular pastor, Poju Oyemade in Lagos on Wednesday, June 12.
Onigbinde stated that the police, military, and election commission are expected to remain autonomous and free of government intervention.
He went on to remark that democracy and rights in Nigeria can only thrive with their independence, stating that “the stronger the institutions of democracy, the better”.
“Our democracy has become weak because the police, military who are supposed to be loyal to the constitution and the people are being controlled by powerful people in government,” Onigbinde said.
Making references to developments in the United States, the fiscal transparency advocate stated that the US economy has remained dominant thanks to robust institutions and individuals’ active participation in the process.
“Democracy is built on participation. For our democracy to work, we must build ideal active citizens,” he said.
Speaking further, Onigbinde stated that Nigeria’s democracy is flawed because it is not local enough, emphasizing that local governments have been stripped of their rights by state governments.
“Democracy is not local enough in Nigeria, but campaigns are local. Even where there’s no development, ballot boxes will get there. Systems are not built that way,” he said.
