BY Adediji Abdulwasiu Adeshina

Since the return of democracy in 1999, Nigeria has gone through uninterrupted cycles of elections that have elected five civilian presidents. Many have argued that all but Olusegun Obasanjo lacked the visionary zeal required to propel Nigeria onto the global stage. Despite the nation's abundant resources, the outcomes have consistently fallen short of expectations. Observers argue that external forces have exploited our vulnerabilities, reducing Nigeria and Africa to mere suppliers of raw materials in the global marketplace.

Let us delve into the statistics, as numbers don’t lie. Nigeria stands among the world's top oil producers, yet a significant proportion of its populace still languishes below the poverty line. Commentators, both local and international, have pointed an accusing finger at the size of the bureaucratic government we run at all levels, with little room for innovation. Many often cite examples of Singapore, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, and even the closer Rwanda here. This glaring disconnect underscores the imperative for Nigeria to move away from a centralized governance model that stifles progress and is rigged against its own citizens.

Our nation's complexities demand a departure from a one-size-fits-all approach, recognizing the need for decentralization to effectively govern such a diverse populace. We cannot continue to shy away from this collective helplessness. Our inability to define priority grey areas as a country to map out where we want to be as a country has continued to rob us of many great things we ought to have achieved. To grasp the complexity of Nigeria's democratic journey of nowhere, one must traverse its vast expanse, from the creeks of the Niger Delta to the bustling metropolis of Lagos and the agriculturally thriving Savannah expanse land of Arewa. The prevailing narrative resonates with tales of hardship and struggle for the ordinary citizen, from inflation to insecurity coupled with darkness. The exodus phenomenon, colloquially known as "Japa," reflects the desperation of many Nigerians to seek refuge abroad, despite the uncertain prospects awaiting them across the Atlantic. This mass exodus underscores the disillusionment with the prevailing socio-economic conditions and the determination of Nigerians to escape the prevailing human tragedy unfolding within our borders.

During the recently concluded AFCON, Nigeria's shortcomings, notably our lack of electricity resulting in pervasive darkness, were openly exploited to criticize us as a weightless giant by many Africans. This criticism highlights a poignant irony: while Nigeria proudly bears the title of the "giant of Africa," many smaller nations on the continent boast infrastructure surpassing ours. Perhaps the true "giant" lies not in grandiose titles, but in the resilience and tenacity of the Nigerian people, who refuse to yield to anyone or anything—a spirit that has sustained us through countless challenges and can propel us towards a brighter future.

Nevertheless, amidst these daunting challenges, the solution lies in introspection and collective action. Addressing the deep-seated mistrust and discord within our society is paramount, alongside the imperative of decentralizing power. Nigeria's diverse complexity necessitates a decentralized governance approach; this uniform model is impractical. It is time to earnestly consider redistributing power to better cater to our diverse needs. A parliamentary system of governance holds promise in returning power to the people and fostering healthy competition among regions to harness viable economic opportunities.

Moreover, the shortcomings of democracy in Nigeria, and by extension, in Africa, should prompt a broader discourse on the suitability of the democratic framework for our continent. The current system is faltering. However, our challenges, while formidable, are not insurmountable. What we lack is not a solution, but rather the right approach to governance.

In essence, the time has come for Nigeria's government and its elite to rise to the occasion, embrace unity, and chart a new solution that genuinely serves the interests of its people. We stand at a pivotal juncture; it's either we come together, forget our political differences, and navigate a path towards a more inclusive and prosperous future, or we perish together. By learning from past experiences, embracing diverse perspectives, and taking decisive action, we can surmount the obstacles ahead and build a nation of which we can all be proud.