…Residents Task FG on Security, Good Governance.
By Princewill Kingston/Magnus Effiong
It is no longer news that Nigeria is celebrating 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule with pomp and pageantry even as government officials at all level highlight achievements recorded under democratic governance.
Recall that June 12 every year is set aside to honour the struggles that culminated in the return to civilian rule in 1999 and the recognition of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election.
On this day, which the government at the centre had declared a work free day, Nigerians roll out drums to congratulate one another for the journey so far after their ugly experiences during the military rule.
Political analysts have noted that Nigeria’s democracy has recorded notable gains, including regular elections, constitutional governance, freedom of expression and peaceful transfers of power.
An analyst, Dr Esien Ikpeme, who spoke with PillarToday scored the Cross River state government high over improvement on and maintenance of critical infrastructures and visible efforts at adding value to the life of an average citizens.
He noted, however, that the anniversary offers little cause for celebration amid soaring food prices, high transportation costs, unemployment and growing concerns over safety.
The People Speak on Democracy Day Celebration:
Pillar Today investigations across Cross River, revealed that markets women, traders and indeed the greater percentage of residents are lamenting the rising cost of basic commodities, while workers complained that incomes can no longer meet household needs. They saw no need for any form of celebration.
In a chat, a civil servant in the State government employ, who preferred to be referred to as Mr Oko, told our reporter, “We are surviving, not living. Every day, the prices of food and transportation increase. Democracy should improve people’s lives, but many families are finding it difficult to cope.”
Insecurity, Hydra-headed Monster Defying Govt Efforts
Despite efforts of the security agencies to curtail increased insecurity across the country, spear-headed by Boko Haram and other insurgents, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements, the reverse seems to be the case.
A case which has dominated national discuss in recent time is the blatant abduction of pupils and their teachers in a school in Oyo State last month in a broad day light as security agents remained helpless.
And, while one of the kidnapped teachers was gruesomely beheaded in life video, others, including a 2-year old child, are passing through indescribable trauma in the hands of their abductors in Oyo State forest.
A viral unconfirmed report few day ago has it that three-year-old girl has died in the kidnappers’ den. What a tragedy!
As at press time, reports say the abductors had sent their demand to Oyo State government. The demand, it was gathered are: immediate payment of N1 billion to one account in Benin republic; The Oyo state government should release the other bandits in Agodi and Abolongo prisons and provide two Toyota Hilux amongst others.
This is certainly not an isolated case. Abduction of pupils and students has gradually become an acceptable norm in today’s Nigeria.
Some days ago, a retired Major General Rabe Abubakar Barsari and his wife were abducted in Katsina. They were still in captivity as at press time even as attacks by armed groups and criminal gangs continue to claim lives and disrupt livelihoods in several communities.
In many rural areas, farmers say insecurity has affected agricultural production, contributing to food shortages and higher prices.
Although the Federal Government says military operations against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements have intensified and yielding results, many citizens insist that more needs to be done to guarantee safety and restore public confidence, arguing that democratic success should ultimately be measured by the safety and welfare of citizens.
The Economy- One Step Forward, Two Steps Forward Scenario
The economic situation remains a major source of concern for citizens. Since the removal of fuel subsidies and the implementation of other economic reforms by the federal government, the cost of transportation, food, electricity and other basic necessities has risen sharply.
President Bola Tinubu had, in several occasions, maintained that the reforms were necessary to stabilize the economy and attract investment and that the reforms would ultimately yield benefits for Nigerians.
According to the President, the policies were actually beginning to produce positive macroeconomic results, including improved public finances, increased investor confidence and infrastructure development.
But, the opposition political parties and civil society organisations see it differently, and have been crying foul over what they say are ‘hardship-enhancing policies.’
They maintain that the immediate impact of the reforms has placed enormous pressure on citizens already struggling with rising living costs.
Besides, many Nigerians who also spoke said the reforms were not translating to better life for the citizens, saying that they were battling hardship, widespread poverty and unemployment.
Moreover, critics are arguing that while economic indicators may show signs of improvement, the benefits were yet to reach ordinary Nigerians, and that public frustration over inflation and declining purchasing power remains widespread.
Calls for Reflection
As Nigeria celebrates 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, analysts say the anniversary presents an opportunity for both leaders and citizens to assess the nation’s progress and chart a path toward a more inclusive and prosperous future.
peaking, Dr Esien Ikpeme called on leaders at all levels to move beyond speeches and ceremonies and focus on addressing the pressing challenges confronting the country.
“The 27th anniversary of democratic rule is not merely a celebration of political continuity but a reminder of unfinished promises and the urgent need to deliver security, prosperity and good governance.
“There should be urgent action to tackle insecurity, reduce hardship and ensure that the dividends of democracy are felt across all segments of society,” he submitted.
For many citizens, the greatest tribute to 27 years of democracy would not be another anniversary celebration, but meaningful improvements in security, economic wellbeing and the quality of life of the Nigerian people.
While the drums roll and flags fly in honour of Nigeria’s democratic milestone, the voices rising from homes, markets and communities across the nation tell a common story — a yearning for a democracy whose benefits can be felt in everyday life.
