In conclusion, though our democracy still has a long way to go, we have made considerable progress, looking back at these past 17 years of uninterrupted democracy. He went further to define democracy as: A system of government based on the acquisition of authority from the people; the institutionalization of the It was only after 1999 that there was uninterrupted democratic rule in Nigeria. Social injustice in the form of marginalisation of ethnic minorities, and religious manipulation for political gain, all of which arises from the indigene-settler dichotomy. Egharevba, M. E. (2005) THE STATE AND THE PROBLEMS OF DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA. The terrorist activities of the group has retarded socio-economic and political development of the country, especially in the north eastern region, hence it poses a major challenge to democracy and good governance. This will reduce a lot of the factionalism and nepotism we see today in Nigeria, and also reduce to an extent religious manipulation by unscrupulous politicians. Thus a form of political education and evangelism needs to be carried out to elevate political consciousness and activism of the masses. In the southern part of Nigeria, there is the menace of kidnapping for ransom and armed robbery. This reality of corruption has yet and yet again be seen to be a deep-seated reality of the Nigerian state. 74-82. Political Situation of Nigeria Another big problem Nigeria is suffering from is tribalism. Social injustice is another major blight on the Nigerian democracy. InfoGuide Nigeria is a team of Resource Persons and Consultants led by Ifiokobong Ibanga. Though democratic rule in Nigeria started right from after independence, it has been marred by military interventions and numerous years of military rule. Despite its popularity, however, a democracy can cause problems because it contains a number of drawbacks. concept of democracy is alien to Africa and needs to be domesticated to Nigeria (Africa)’s local conditions and targeted to her peculiar problems. However, this vision was not successfully actualized as the government seemed to have been politically influenced. democracy consists of four key elements: (a) A political system for choosing and replacing the government through free and fair elections; (b) The active participation of the people, as citizens, in politics and civic life; (c) Protection of the human rights of all citizens, and (d) A rule of law, in which the laws and procedures apply equally to all citizens. The problem with democracy is that everything requires time and compromise... And often people are elected because of their charisma or oratory ability, instead of their ideas and abilities. The content on the InfoGuide Nigeria is provided as general information only. However, things took a little bit of a different turn when Yar’Adua died on the 5, of May 2010 and Goodluck Jonathan was sworn in, in his place. Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox. The Nigerian democracy will really blossom if the issue of the indigene-settler dichotomy is settled one and for all. This phenomena is known as Godfatherism in Nigerian politics. By this, there will be a level of transparency as to the government/masses relationship in the country. Corruption in Nigeria has become a kind of culture in the Nigerian public service, such that it is now accepted as the normal way things should done. What brought about the problem, style of leadership? He noted that until Nigerians were allowed to select their representatives without compulsion and imposition, the country would […] The Press and the Democracy in Nigeria. Nigeria’s Biggest Problem Is Corruption Corruption is at the root of many of Nigeria’s problems. Over years, Nigeria has been wallowing in the coffin of poverty, underdevelopment, unemployment, power instability, securities menace, and political hullabaloos, all this has been a problem combating a nation that was once giant of Africa, {, The beginning of democracy in Nigeria can be traced to the early years of independent Nigeria, particularly, the first republic. Fingers and pointers of different parastatals of the nation point to a viable and strong hope for democracy in the coming generation, has it will be the best system of government ever practices, even though there might be improvement in the way people see democracy, also there might be paradigm shift in the stand of many stakeholders on what democracy has to offer, yet assurances and speculations are all around showing bright future of democracy. It is obvious that something must be done to reform our system of entitlements, for example, but there is no political will to do so. Over years, Nigeria has been wallowing in the coffin of poverty, underdevelopment, unemployment, power instability, securities menace, and political hullabaloos, all this has been a problem combating a nation that was once giant of Africa, { Democracy In Nigeria }. In the 21, , April 2007 elections, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua of the People’s Democratic Party was elected and sworn in. Any action taken as a result of information, analysis, or advertisement on this site is ultimately the responsibility of the reader. Gyang Bere, Jos Member, representing Barkin-Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency of Plateau State in the House of Representatives, Dr. Simon Mwankon has blamed the country’s woes in the last 21 years of civil rule on lack of internal democracy. Boko Haram has become a disaster of un-imaginable proportion. Your email address will not be published. The problem associated with the practice of federalism raised it ugly head immediately after independence when Nigeria adopted the republican form of government. Corruption takes many forms and infiltrates all political institutions and economic sectors. Here, the political parties have a major role to play, together with the Independent Electoral Commission. It tries to make citizens feel great and even provides them with a good sense of participation and involvement. google_ad_client = "ca-pub-9755093768544960"; See the Problems and Prospects of Democracy in Nigeria. The team comprises professionals and Consultants from different fields of human endeavour. Jonathan completed Yar’Adua’s term and also won the 16th of April 2011 elections with 22,495187 votes. Elections held in August 1979 and were won by the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) consequent upon which Alhaji Shehu Shagari became the president. Conflict—triggered by political competition and communal, ethnic, religious or resource allocation rivalries—poses a major threat to democracy. Democracy has become a very common word in the 21st century, and it can be described simply as a form of government in which the people rule themselves. Soon enough, corruption allegations were in constant increase against the government and thus producing tension and unrest in the country until finally the democratically elected government was again overthrown by a military coup which ensured that Major General Muhammadu Buhari became the military leader in on the 31, The third republic was characterized by a little bit of drama and was aborted prematurely. Obasanjo also won the April 13, , 2003 elections and ruled for another term as provided by the constitution. This is one of the root causes of the indigene-settler dichotomy that is seen in Nigeria today. Is democracy the answer to Nigeria’s woes? Soon enough, corruption allegations were in constant increase against the government and thus producing tension and unrest in the country until finally the democratically elected government was again overthrown by a military coup which ensured that Major General Muhammadu Buhari became the military leader in on the 31st of December, 1983. Despite all pointers giving directions to bright and hopeful future of democracy, the only determinant to make that see the light of the day is how to present and current situations are been manage. Nevertheless if all of this situation are properly managed and handle, the future of democracy in the country is very bright which bring about more development, more innovation and a paradigm shift of government of some people for some people or some cabals to government of the masses to the real masses which is the real definition of democracy from inception of government of the people for the people and by the people, the people in this context are the common men on the street and sons and daughter of nobody. Elections were held in December 1959 which ushered in the first republic in which the NPC and NCNC formed a coalition which led to the emergence of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as Prime minister and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe as governor general and later on, as President. From the second year of Nigeria’s independence, there was massive instability and unrest that lasted till the 13th of January 1966 when a military coup led by Major Chukwuma Nzeogwu toppled and overthrew the democratically elected government and thus, ending the first republic of Nigeria. Nigeria sits very close to the heart of Africa about 10 degrees north of the equator (at the western coast). In the year 2005, Nigeria was ranked the 8, most corrupt out of 163; in 2007, Nigeria was ranked 33. out of 180 countries and has since then been consistent amongst the list of the most corrupt countries in the world. This will definitely give our fledgling democracy an opportunity to thrive. You can use it but do proper referencing. What are the prospects that Nigeria’s democracy will strive and survive notwithstanding the federal problems? Y ou know a democracy is in trouble when two out of three voters don’t bother to turn up for a presidential election. This article writes on Problems of Democracy in Nigeria and solutions. This reality of corruption has yet and yet again be seen to be a deep-seated reality of the Nigerian state. A considerable amount of effort has been made in the fight against corruption, especially through the EFCC. However, some argue that corruption became ingrained in the mindset and culture of the masses during the military regime. People also tend to follow a crowd, and the citizens may vote for a party under influence of the majority, and not voice his/her true opinion. Therefore the citizens gain a sense of control over control over participating in the voting process, and by choosing their government. Most people will agree that corruption is the major culprit responsible for our dwindling democracy. Abraham Lincoln defined democracy as a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Corruption, no doubt, out of all, stands out as a monster amongst the other challenges against democracy in Africa. Corruption, no doubt, out of all, stands out as a monster amongst the other challenges against democracy in Africa. In the northern part of the country, there is … It … Third, Nigerian democracy is plagued by hydra-headed and pathological corruption that ensures that the impact of any seeming good policy is either extremely negligible or almost exactly nil. Other major problems plaguing our democracy include imposition of the leaders on the masses by the elite based on personal interests, leading to a misrepresentation of the people; social injustice, which stems from an indigene-settler dichotomy; electoral irregularities; religious and ethnic manipulation; poverty, hunger and unemployment; amongst others. After the death of the military dictator, General Sani Abacha in 1998, General Abdusalami Abubakar who took over governance from him is known to have worked out Nigeria’s return to Democracy or Democratic rule. However, the country has experienced obstacles that have hindered the implementation of democratic principles and caused stagnation of the nation’s growth. Corruption pervades the daily lives of Nigerians. The idea that every single person should be treated equally before the law is a very noble one. Infrastructure. Democracy took a completely different turn in Nigeria from 1999 till date. Since the restoration of democracy in May 1999, civilian administrations have had to grapple with numerous socio-economic problems and the attendant social malaise in a volatile, uncertain, complex Power is transferred between parties with elections. 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