By Aliyu Kolawole

The journey of the current democratic rule, since 29th May, 1999; no doubt has witnessed a lot of uneasy calm. Under different regimes, from Obasanjo to late Yar'dua, down to Jonathan and President Buhari, the country is yet to satisfactorily witness the essence of a civil rule, in line with the global best practices. If it were, the rating is abysmally low. Extremely far from public expectations and international communities.

Between 1999 and now, corruption, party politics, severe executive - legislative gridlocks, delay in budget passage, policy inconsistency, weak economic power, insecurity, militancy and terrorism have, at different times; been our Achilles. As many of us would query, that other democratic climes across the globe equally have their peculiar challenges. Yes, but not in this horrendous manner. They rarely pass the bulk.
Permit me to say that democracy is not static, and sincerely an ongoing practice. The former political "this or that', where democracy seems to be delivering the yields regularly rally support for the incumbents. They patriotically advise on policy direction for the good of the state. They rarely do anything to pull the incumbent down; if for nothing, at least for the interest of the state. Politics, to them is not win-win all the time, and not a do or die affair. They are available to ensure the state's democratic project do not crumble. They do not aspire to consume the public tilt either by running down the working instruments of the state or requesting for kickbacks as elder statesman.

Good governance in places of working democratic polity do not work on one leg. The incumbents regularly consult. They do not see their working partners, Special Assistants, Executive Assistants, Ministers and the likes, as infallible. They should have inputs in policy guides, implementation and evaluation. They talk less of former administrations as the cause of their challenges. Because, governance is a continuum, they joyfully inherit the liabilities and assets transmitted to them. They rarely grumble, especially when the former is much than the latter. They sought for ways to strengthen the economy and make it viable for local and foreign investors, so as to boost the value of the state's currency. By this, countries in the West have excelled.

Twenty years is actually not insignificant in one's life time. I hope our new leaders consolidate on prospects across levels of government in Nigeria to fully occupy the position of "Giant of Africa" we use to be. Let us all learn from our past for our tomorrow to be better.

It is well with Nigeria and Nigerians in general. Congratulations to all incoming occupiers of the various political offices. God will see you through.
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