• Egwu warns democracy faces erosion without citizens’ engagement
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has acknowledged that Nigeria has not reached its full democratic heights but expressed optimism that the democratic journey remains on a steady and promising course.
Speaking at a public lecture to mark Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Day celebration at the State House Conference Centre, with the theme: ‘Consolidating the gains of Nigeria’s democracy: Necessity of enduring reforms,’ Akume congratulated Nigerians for achieving 26 years of unbroken democratic rule.
He said: “At a period when many African countries are sliding into military rule and dictatorship, Nigeria is powering forward in democratic rule.”
He tempered this optimism with realism, saying, “even though we have not attained the democratic heights envisioned, we are confident that our path is straight and will lead us to our desired destination.”
He paid tribute to the ordinary Nigerians, whose courage and resilience under military oppression laid the foundation for the country’s democratic progress. “Today’s celebration would not have been possible were it not for the commitment and determination of the ordinary Nigerian citizens, who stood strong in the face of military oppression, brutality and rights denial,” he emphasised.
Recalling the historic June 12 struggle, he said: “Millions of our country men and women marched on the streets from Lagos to Ilorin, Kaduna to Kano, Ibadan to Makurdi, Bauchi to Jos and Port Harcourt to Enugu. From the towns and villages, the cry for democracy coalesced into a movement, the June 12 movement. That movement birthed Nigeria’s new democratic journey.”
He recognised the sacrifices made by many Nigerians in the fight for democracy, saying, “We are here today because many fought. Many died. Many were brutalised. Many disappeared. Many lost limbs. Many were imprisoned. Many gave up all their resources and many never recovered. To all of them we owe a debt of gratitude.”
He stressed that the best way to honour those sacrifices is to protect and nurture Nigeria’s democracy, linking democratic progress with development. “We can only immortalise them by ensuring that we guide and guard our democracy and work to bring development to Nigeria. Democracy without development is empty and is bound to fail.”
The theme of the day underscored the urgency of sustained reforms to strengthen democratic institutions and governance.
He highlighted the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, describing him as a leader and foot soldier of democracy as well as a patriot to the core. He praised the President’s efforts to re-engineer Nigeria and put it on the right footing, noting that “he is tackling challenges with respect to the economy and development of nationhood as well as building the needed infrastructure for rapid development and has instituted relevant reforms where needed.
“In two years, the impact of these reforms is quite visible. Strong indicators abound to show Nigeria is on the right track.”
The keynote speaker, Prof. Sam Egwu, offered a detailed and insightful analysis of Nigeria’s democratic journey since the return to civilian rule in 1999. He underscored the complex nature of democracy as a continuous struggle that demands unwavering commitment from both citizens and leaders to sustain and deepen democratic governance.
Egwu emphasised that democracy is inherently about struggle. He reminded the audience that democracy requires constant evaluation and vigilance by citizens to ensure it remains vibrant and responsive.
He described democracy as a form of contestation, a dynamic process involving competing interests and ideas, and highlighted that democracy cannot survive without the active participation and commitment of all stakeholders, including political leaders and the general public.
Egwu reflected on the progress made and the challenges that persist in 26 years of the country’s democratic experience from 1999. He noted that while Nigeria has made significant strides in democratic governance, the enthusiasm that characterised the early 1990s has waned, and democracy today faces numerous contradictions and pressures.
He cautioned against complacency, stressing that democracy’s survival depends on continuous effort and vigilance.
He recalled the critical 2003 general elections, where the political landscape in the South West nearly shifted dramatically, potentially threatening the democratic process. The resilience shown during that period, including the strategic moves by political actors, was pivotal in preserving Nigeria’s democratic trajectory.
He structured his lecture around three main objectives. Key progress since 1999:
He highlighted the peaceful transitions of power, improvements in electoral processes and the strengthening of democratic institutions. He pointed to reforms initiated since 2007, which have enhanced electoral credibility and public trust, noting Nigeria’s growing respect on the African continent for upholding constitutional governance.
Struggles of democratic governance: Despite these gains, Egwu identified ongoing challenges such as corruption, economic stagnation and the failure to achieve national unity. He described these as the two most tragic failures of post-colonial Nigeria, development and nation-building, and examined how democracy has struggled to address these issues effectively.
Economic and Governance Reforms: To consolidate democracy, he called for urgent reforms focused on economic revitalisation, social justice, and national integration. He criticised the corruption associated with subsidy regimes and underscored the need for transparent decision-making and prudent governance. He also highlighted the importance of social welfare programmes and cash transfer initiatives that have begun to address poverty and inequality.
He revisited Nigeria’s constitutional aspirations, particularly Chapter 2 of the 1979 and 1999 constitutions, which outline the fundamental objectives of national policy. He stressed that Nigeria was envisioned as a social democratic society that guarantees equality of opportunity, justice and freedom for all its citizens. He argued that without access to opportunities and social justice, political rights alone are insufficient to realise true democracy.
He stressed the critical role of citizens and civil society in sustaining democracy all through his lecture. He called for greater civic engagement, vigilance and collective action to hold leaders accountable and to push for reforms that would deepen democratic governance.
He warned that democracy is vulnerable to erosion if citizens become disengaged or complacent.
He reminded Nigerians that democracy is not a static achievement but a continuous process that requires dedication to national unity, good governance and inclusive development.
He urged all Nigerians to recommit themselves to the democratic project, emphasising that the future of Nigeria’s democracy depends on the collective efforts of its people to overcome challenges and build a just, prosperous society.