A Broken Promise: Democracy fails to deliver in Nigeria

A Broken Promise: Democracy Fails to Deliver in Nigeria

Citizens Still Suffer from Military Era Scars

Abeokuta, Ogun State – Twenty-five years after the end of military rule, Nigeria’s democracy has failed to deliver on its promises, leaving citizens to grapple with a host of challenges.

Dr. Niran Malaolu, a former Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Ogun State, lamented the country’s trajectory, stating that “democracy has been hijacked by thugs, drug barons, and conscienceless looters who have continued in the long military rule trajectory of misgovernance and high-level corruption and inefficiency.”

The former commissioner highlighted the devastating impact of military regimes, which prioritized oil exports over agriculture and neglected science and technology. These policies led to economic instability and widespread poverty.

“The foundation of the widespread poverty we experience today was laid by successive military regimes’ horrible economic policies of the 1980s,” Malaolu said.

Despite the transition to democratic governance, Nigeria continues to face numerous challenges. Corruption remains rampant, and the country’s infrastructure is crumbling. Insecurity, particularly in the form of kidnappings and banditry, has become a major concern.

“The people we gave power to, in our democracy, are now using the powers to harass us, intimidate us and, worst of all, pauperise us,” Malaolu added.

As the nation marks 25 years of democratic rule, it is clear that significant reforms are needed to address the deep-rooted problems that continue to plague the country.