Nigeria Still Far from Achieving True Democracy, Says Fayemi

As Nigeria marks its annual Democracy Day, a former governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, has expressed a sobering view that despite transitioning to civilian rule in 1999, the country is yet to achieve real democracy.

Fayemi made this assertion on Thursday during a special event organized by Channels Television to commemorate the occasion, titled ‘Nigeria’s Democratic Journey: An Inter-Generational Conversation On Building A Better Nation’.

According to Fayemi, while the country has made significant progress in reestablishing the citizens’ right to vote for their leaders, there is still much work to be done to achieve full democracy. He emphasized that the mere existence of civilian rule does not necessarily equate to democracy, and that efforts must be made to deepen democratic practices and ensure that the government is truly accountable to the people.

Fayemi’s comments come at a time when many Nigerians are reflecting on the country’s democratic journey since the return to civilian rule in 1999.

While the country has made some progress in consolidating its democratic institutions, there are still concerns about the quality of democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights.

The former governor’s remarks also highlight the need for Nigerians to re-examine their understanding of democracy and work towards creating a more inclusive, participatory, and accountable system of government.

He stressed that democracy is not just about holding elections, but also about ensuring that the government is responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people.

Fayemi’s call for a more nuanced understanding of democracy is particularly relevant in the context of Nigeria’s current political landscape.

The country is grappling with a range of challenges, including insecurity, corruption, and economic stagnation, which have eroded trust in government and undermined the legitimacy of democratic institutions.

As Nigeria continues to navigate its democratic journey, Fayemi’s comments serve as a reminder that the country still has a long way to go in achieving true democracy. It is a call to action for Nigerians to demand more from their leaders and to work towards creating a system of government that is truly of the people, by the people, and for the people.

The event, which was organized by Channels Television, brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including politicians, civil society leaders, and young people, to discuss the state of democracy in Nigeria and the way forward.

The conversation was facilitated by a team of experienced journalists and moderators, who encouraged participants to share their thoughts and experiences on the challenges and opportunities facing Nigeria’s democratic system.

Overall, Fayemi’s comments have added a new dimension to the ongoing conversation about democracy in Nigeria, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of what democracy means and the importance of working towards a more inclusive, participatory, and accountable system of government.

As Nigeria continues to celebrate its Democracy Day, it is clear that there is still much work to be done to achieve the country’s democratic aspirations.