June 12: Is democracy truly the government of the people or the dictatorship of the minority over the majority?


Today, June 12 marks a significance day in the governance of our dear nation Nigeria.

In the time past, different school of thoughts have defined and expatiate the meaning of democratic system of government in contrast to other form of governance.

Democracy came with many merits as it gave the people the impression of choosing their leader through a ballot system, basic fundamental human right, press freedom, periodic election e. t. c

Historically, democracy originated from ancient greek, but popularized by the European Elites and Warlords in Africa after the Berlin conference and end of the transatlantic slave trade in Africa.

Nigeria gain it independence from the British overlord in the year 1960 and became a Republican state in 1963. From 1963 till date, Nigeria have witnessed different form of governance ranging from Parliamentary system, Military rule before the adoption of democracy.

In the early 1980s, the popular and convener of afrobeat music genre Late Fela Anikulapo was a voice against the adoption of democracy in Africa.
On different occasions, he gave reasons why democracy will be use against the interest of the people it's meant to give power to.
He criticized the corruption of Nigerian government officials and the mistreatment of Nigerian citizens. He spoke of colonialism as the root of the socio-economic and political problems that plagued the African people.

In one of his music titled "Democrazy'' he narrated why democracy will not work in a multicultural country of 200million people in Nigeria and openness to exploitation by the corrupt leaders who are in office for the benefits of their immediate family and selfish interest instead of the populace.

June 1993, Chief Moshood Kashimawo (M.K.O.) Abiola, a businessman and philanthropist, ran for the presidency of Nigeria and appeared to win the election which was annulled and jailed by the military government. Chief Moshood Abiola died in jail and his mandate was never restored despite protests by the people and sympathizers across the length and breadth of Nigeria.

From the year 1998 to 2024, Nigerians have been groaning, complaining of hardship, austerity and unemployment on the rise, corruption and nepotism becoming the order of the day, terrorism and kidnapping becoming a national symbol, agitation for freedom by separatists, unstable exchange rates and other economic maladies without redemption in sight, fraud-gambling-prostitution are now normalized and celebrated, while the youths and other professionals see emigration (Japa) to other countries as the only way to escape poverty.

Is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) the Messiah of democracy and the choosing one?


By: Hon. Amb. Prince Samuel Adesegun Egunjobi

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