As Nigeria celebrates the 26th year of unbroken Democracy, we doff our hats to the poor on the streets, the ordinary Nigerians who have shown resilience, believing in the stoic philosophy of dogged determination despite challenges and adversity.
It is true that we have had 26 years of unbroken democracy but it is also 26 years of broken promises on the part of Nigeria leaders.
Worse still, the last two years have been hell for Nigerians as they strive to survive through thick and thin to make elusive ends meet.
Recall that as soon as the fuel subsidy was removed in 2023 by the current political leaders at the national level, the pump price suddenly rose astronomically from N238.11 (Nigeria Bureau of Statistics, May 2023) to between N1,000 to N1,200.
Our foreign exchange rate per dollar averaged at around N460.7 in May 2023 but today it is about N1,560 to N1,600.
Suddenly, the cost of transportation, foodstuffs, housing, electricity, telecommunications tariffs and others have skyrocketed .
From 2023, it has been taxation upon taxation, yet Nigerians, in the words of the Afrobeat maestro, Fela Anikulapo Kuti of blessed memory, “are suffering and smiling.”
The N70, 000 take home pay or minimum wage proposed by the national government cannot take anyone home anymore. Things are gradually falling apart, and in the words of the late literal genius, Prof Chinua Achebe, the centre is now finding it difficult to hold.
The market woman would simply tell you, “Sir, we have to spoil the market to sell to survive”, while labourers, artisans, traders, civil servants, amongst other members of the society sweat to put food on the table.
While the high and mighty call what the people are experiencing ‘Democracy’ the ordinary Nigerians call it “imposed slavery and degradation.”
Besides, many Nigerians believe that their votes do not count anymore. This may have explained why Nigeria has been experiencing apathy during elections. The truth is, Nigerians have lost confidence in the electoral system.
The people believe that Electoral processes are rigged and manipulated in favour of the highest bidder and the high and mighty.
This scenario is even worsen by those political class members who would always dare a man who complains about the absurdities, to “go to court”.
Regrettably, the courts, which are supposed to be the hope of the common man, would waste no time churning out judgements in favour of the jaundiced political class. This has caused people to now view our courts as being under the whims and caprices of politicians .
The political leaders know that if the votes should count, if democracy is allowed to be what it should ordinarily be, in the words of Abraham Lincoln’s “ government of the people, by the people, for the people,” their filthy lucre would be halted and they’ll be made to sit up.
Moreover, the Oxford dictionary says the word ‘democracy’ comes from the Greek words “demos”, meaning people, and “kratos” meaning power; so democracy can be thought of as “power of the people” or a way of governing which depends on the will of the people.
Unfortunately, the reverse is the case in our country.
As Nigeria celebrates 26 years of unbroken democracy today, we doff our hats to the ordinary Citizens who toil day and night in hardship to survive in the midst of our indescribably endowed natural resources.
Dear Ordinary Nigerian, you are the Heroes and Champions of our Democracy. Keep hope alive for one day, your labour shall be rewarded.
