SUNDAY MUSING
Emmanuel Udogu
Opinion
I found Salihu’s ("Democratising Political Parties” of 1/22/24) submission to be quite interesting against the backdrop of my experience in the 1960s, and the reasons for the coup and civil war. Indeed, I expressed my opinion on the political development in this medium when I juxtaposed the events of that decade with the activities of the last 23 years or so. I indicated my concern about how corrupt leaders were hell bent on impeding the development and greatness of the country by their selfishness. Moreover, the views articulated in that submission were intended to suggest to our present leaders that the contemporary level of corruption in the society, if not checked, could be disastrous for the republic just like the “mild” corruption of the 60s. Today, we continue to confront the same problem made more severe by socio-economic quagmires.
Regrettably, due to the discomfiture with the political administration of our society, some highly placed Nigerians are wondering about the need for our corporate existence as a nation-state. This is so because of the contemporary electoral, judicial, legislative, and executive dysfunctionality. This frustration is exacerbated in part by the current “constructed” ethno-religious divisiveness in the polity fomented by our politicos in pursuit of their self-interest.
In light of Salihu’s poignant observations and my reflection on our politics, the question is: What is to be done to sustain our democracy, promote political stability, good governance, and peaceful coexistence in this difficult politico-historical epoch?
In my opinion, Adebayo Adedeji’s recommendation is spot-on in Nigeria, [and in the current democratic imbroglio in America]. He noted, metaphorically, as long ago as in the 1990s that:
It is not just by talking [and writing] about democracy that African countries [and Nigeria] will become democratic. We must act more and talk less. To build a truly democratic society and culture, we must plant the seeds of democracy, enable them to germinate by nourishing them and watering them regularly, and when the plants begin to emerge and grow by carefully and tenderly nursing them until they become as strong as iroko trees [i.e., democratic consolidation].
Adebayo Adedeji, “On democracy and its development in Africa: Issues and Questions,” West Africa (September 28-October 4, 1992): 1617.
In Nigeria, it goes without saying that civil society organizations, political leaders, ethno-cultural groups and scholars have provided splendid recommendations, and proffered solid solutions, that will solve our political dilemma in “one fell swoop.” Some of these recommendations are restructuring the polity to promote “true federalism,” writing a new constitution to be legitimized by a national referendum, tackling corruption, enhancing the electoral process to avoid what some judicial luminaries have referred to as “Judiocracy,” and so on. Sadly, attempts to solve these proposals have been thwarted because most of our leaders are unpatriotic and lack the political courage to do so, and to tackle the issues Chinua Achebe highlighted in his book: The Trouble with Nigeria.
Finally, may I suggest that to further national unity, (in addition to implementing the preceding recommendations), our political and educational leaders should not only lead by example but also adopt, at the national, state and local levels of government, the late President John F. Kennedy’s plea and challenge in his inaugural address to Americans:
“ASK NOT WHAT YOUR COUNTRY CAN DO FOR YOU–ASK WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR COUNTRY!”
Accomplishment of such an entreaty, ultimately, could serve as our legacy for future generations after us. Fortunately, such a patriotic gesture is popular amongst a few philanthropic Nigerians at home, and most Nigerians in the diaspora.
Ike Udogu
Good luck Super Eagles at the AFCON!!!