Nigeria’s Democracy: The Urgent Need for Social Justice and Ethical Leadership
By Charles Adeloye
AKA [Saiki Anavehun General de Gaulle]
As a keen observer of Nigeria’s sociopolitical landscape, I have watched with growing concern the trajectory of our country’s democratic journey. The promise of democracy that dawned with such hope in 1999 has, in many ways, failed to deliver the transformative change our country so desperately needs. It is with a heavy heart that I reflect on the current state of affairs: Nigeria’s democratic challenges stem from poor governance, social injustice, and corrupt leadership. This crisis calls for urgent attention and concerted action from all stakeholders in the Nigerian project.
The irony of our present situation is not lost on me. As someone has pointed out here on this platform, the very generation that once enjoyed the benefits of relatively good governance in their youth now stands accused of dismantling the structures they inherited. As I consider the actions of our current crop of leaders, many of whom came of age during Nigeria’s “golden years,” I am struck by the disconnect between their past experiences and present conduct. How did those who witnessed the potential of a well-governed Nigeria become the architects of its decline?
The roadblocks to a strong democracy in Nigeria are numerous and complex. Political competition, rather than fostering healthy debate and progress, often degenerates into violent conflict. Communal, ethnic, and religious rivalries continue to tear at the fabric of our national unity. The allocation of resources, instead of being a means of equitable development, has become a flashpoint for discord. Perhaps most disheartening is the pervasive corruption that has seeped into every aspect of daily life in Nigeria. As a citizen, I have witnessed firsthand how this corruption erodes trust in institutions and undermines the very foundations of our democracy.
The face of social injustice in Nigeria is stark and unmistakable. Economic disparities have widened to alarming levels, with a small affluent minority enjoying disproportionate access to resources while the majority grapples with poverty. Government decisions often seem to favor this privileged few, further entrenching inequality. As I reflect on this situation, I am reminded of the words of the late Chinua Achebe: “While we do our good works let us not forget that the real solution lies in a world in which charity will have become unnecessary.”
To understand the current crisis, we must examine the nature of social change in Nigeria. Change is a constant in any society, but the rate and direction of change can vary significantly. In our context, both internal and external forces have shaped our trajectory. The Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) of the 1980s, for instance, while intended as an economic recovery strategy, had far-reaching and often unforeseen consequences on our socioeconomic fabric. As an observer, I recognize that such changes often generate controversy and that some changes indeed matter more than others.
The root causes of social injustice in Nigeria are deeply entrenched and multifaceted. Racism, dichotomy and ethnic bias continue to influence decision-making at various levels. Economic inequality, exacerbated by years of mismanagement and corruption, has created a chasm between the haves and have-nots. Class discrimination, often intersecting with ethnic and religious identities, further complicates our social dynamics. As I ponder these issues, I am reminded that social injustice can affect anyone, regardless of their background.
Perhaps the most glaring failure in our democratic experiment has been the lack of true federalism. The absence of ethnic balance in appointments and resource distribution points to a governance model that is not focused on the prosperity of the state as a whole, but rather on satisfying narrow interests. This fragmented approach to governance, prioritizing self-interest over national interest, has stunted our growth as a nation. I firmly believe that our democracy will only thrive, and our country develop, when governance is void of bias and genuinely focused on the collective good.
At the heart of all these challenges lies the critical issue of leadership. As the saying goes, a nation deserves the type of leaders it has. This prompts us to ask: what kind of country do Nigerians want for positive social change and economic development? The quality of our leadership will determine the trajectory of our nation. We need leaders who are unbiased, honest, and just – qualities that seem increasingly rare in our political landscape.
Looking beyond our borders, we can draw lessons from other African countries grappling with similar challenges. The recent events in Mali, for instance, highlight the growing frustration with leadership that fails to deliver on the promises of democracy. While I do not advocate for extra-constitutional measures, the sentiment behind such actions – a desire for accountable and effective governance – resonates across the continent.
As we chart the path forward, several imperatives become clear. First, we must embrace true federalism and democracy, moving beyond lip service to implement structures that ensure equitable representation and resource distribution. Second, we need to prioritize national interest over personal gain at all levels of governance. This requires a fundamental shift in mindset, from seeing public office as a means of self-enrichment to viewing it as a call to service.
Finally, and perhaps most crucially, we must foster ethical leadership and accountability. This involves not only holding our leaders to higher standards but also cultivating a new generation of leaders who understand and are committed to the principles of good governance. As citizens, we have a role to play in this process – through our votes, our voices, and our active participation in the democratic process.
In conclusion, the challenges facing Nigerian democracy are significant, but not insurmountable. The urgent need for social justice and ethical leadership calls us all to action. As I reflect on our journey as a nation, I am reminded of the words of the late Nelson Mandela: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” The task of rebuilding our democracy and fostering a just society may seem daunting, but it is a task we must undertake with unwavering determination.
To my fellow Nigerians, I say this: the power to shape the future of our nation lies in our hands. Let us demand more from our leaders, but also demand more from ourselves. Let us work towards a Nigeria where the principles of democracy are not just words on paper, but lived realities. A Nigeria where social justice is not an aspiration, but a fundamental right. A Nigeria led by individuals of integrity and vision.
The journey ahead is long, but with each step we take towards accountability, equity, and justice, we move closer to the Nigeria of our dreams. The time for change is now, and the agents of that change must be us.
