21 YEARS OF UNINTERRUPTED CIVILIAN RULE: HAS NIGERIA CHANGED FOR THE BETTER? By Shakiru Seidu. June 12, 2020.

Democracy Day marks the day the military handed over power to an elected civilian government in 1999, marking the beginning of the longest continuous civilian rule since Nigeria's independence from colonial rule in 1960. It is a tradition that has been held annually, beginning in year 2000. June 12 was formerly known as Abiola Day, celebrated in Lagos, Nigeria and some south western states of Nigeria.

Over two decades now, in a colourful ceremony held in the nation capital, Abuja, Nigeria's military handed over power to an elected Civilian leader. Generals had ruled us for the previous 15 years. The ceremony was attended by heads of State and representatives from more than 40 countries.

The mood was upbeat and the new leader promised prosperity to the thousands of his countrymen who were in the stadium. Millions of others watched the ceremony on television. Others listened to newly elected president Olusegun Obasanjo's speech on radio.

But after 21 years of democracy, through the administrations of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Alhaji Musa Yar-adua, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to President Muhammadu Buhari, where is Nigeria today?

Many Nigerians argue that the major problem facing the country is leadership, and that if nothing is done to ensure purposeful leadership, the country will disintegrate. This fear is not misplaced. Our political leaders have failed to serve as the rallying point for national unity, nation-building and cohesion.

Insecurity has steadily worsened. Terrorists, bandits, gun and machete-wielding herdsmen, kidnappers and Cultism have become unstoppable, turning the country into a massive graveyard.

According to the Nigerian Security Tracker, 25,794 people were killed between 2015 and 2019. More than 100,000 persons have been killed by Boko Haram while 1.9m people have been displaced since its murderous campaign began in 2009. Other indices of growth and development are also progressively on the decline. Population is growing at 3% while economic growth is just about 2%. Life expectancy rate is 55 years, the third lowest in the world. 

We must not compromise to fail as a Nation. I hope celebrating today will be used not just to commemorate Nigeria’s Democracy Day, but as a social mobilization tool to address critical issues surrounding our nation’s socio-cultural, political and economic evolution from independence to the present day. The idea is to generate enough public conversation that can push for and bring about the desired change in our country. 

While the Nigerian situation can depress any true patriot, there is no reason for Nigerians to be pessimistic about the country’s future. The reality is that the social forces that will bring change, the country’s young, progressive and active citizens are not in short supply. 

Part of the reason behind this article, therefore, is to get the young Nigerians, many of whom ventilate their frustration and solutions daily on social media to articulate their ideas and solutions in a compendium that can be used for social and political mobilization. 

Happy Democracy Day!

SHAKIRU SEIDU, Founder/C.E.O,
MegaXpression Community Magazine.
08027718555.