25 YEARS OF UNINTERRUPTED CIVILIAN RULE IN NIGERIA: ARE WE DISINTEGRATING? Written by: Shakiru Seidu.June 12, 2024

Democracy Day in Nigeria marks the day the military handed over power to an elected civilian government in 1999, marking the start of the longest continuous civilian government since Nigeria's independence from colonial rule in 1960. It is a tradition that held annually.

For two and half decades, the Nigerian military has handed over power to a civilian leader, elected in a colorful ceremony in the country's capital, Abuja. The ceremony brought together Heads of State and representatives from more than 40 countries.

The atmosphere was good and the new President promised prosperity to the thousands of his compatriots who were in the stadium. Myself and millions more watched the ceremony on television, while others listened to newly elected President Olusegun Obasanjo's speech on radio.

25 years of uninterrupted  democracy, from the administrations of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Alhaji Musa Yar-adua, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, General Muhammadu Buhari and now President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, where is Nigeria today?

Many Nigerians argue that the biggest problem facing the country is leadership and that if nothing is done to ensure focused leadership, the country will disintegrate. This fear is not out of place. Our political leaders need to act as a rallying point for national unity, nation building and cohesion.

Insecurity remains as threat in the past. Terrorists, bandits, gun and machete wielding shepherds, kidnappers and cultism have been unstoppable during past regimes, turning the country into a vast graveyard. Growth and development indicators are also gradually declining. The fuel subsidy removal has aggravates economic hardship in the country, population is growing, while economic growth is on snail move. Life expectancy is 55 years, the third lowest in the world.

We must not compromise to fail as a nation. I hope that today's celebrations will be used not only to commemorate Democracy Day in Nigeria, but also as a tool for social mobilization to address critical issues related to the socio-cultural, political and economic development of our country since independence to the present day. The idea is to generate enough public discussion that can drive and bring about the desired change in our country.

While the situation in Nigeria can depress any true patriot, there is no reason for Nigerians to be pessimistic about the future of the country. The reality is that there is no shortage of societal forces that will bring change to the country's young, progressive and active citizens.

One of the reasons for my article is to get young Nigerians, many of whom express their frustrations and solutions daily on social media, to articulate their ideas and solutions in a compendium designed for social and political mobilization.

Now that we are in government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, expectations are high and it seems that Presiden is off to a very good start after a year in office. The removal of fuel subsidy, the passing of the new Electricity Act replacing the Electricity and Power Sector Reform Act 2005, the removal of former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, the abrogation of fuel imports and the unified official declaration of the exchange rate. This and many others in one year of President Tinubu have undoubtedly raised the hopes of Nigerians in the current government.

The focus must be kept by all of us and spirit of peaceful coexistence must be preserved in our dear nation. 

Happy Democracy Day!

E-signed:

SHAKIRU SEIDU,

...everyone matters.

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