STRIKER: Democracy Works

Democracy, magnificent as the concept is, does not work and deliver automatically simply upon its adoption. How well it works or how badly it fails depend first and foremost on the actions and/or inaction of the political elites. It then depends on the aggregate character of the people, in the final analysis.

Nothing illustrates the impact that individuals or groups could have on ideals, however lofty, more graphically than recent American history. The brunt of the (mis)adventure of Messr Trump and Company – in four years – on centuries-old American democratic tradition and institutions are still playing out almost a year into the Biden presidency, and will likely not be forgotten for decades to come.

Thinking again, Frank Herbert may not be entirely wrong when he said “Good governance never depends upon laws, but upon the personal qualities of those who govern. The machinery of government is always subordinate to the will of those who administer that machinery. The most important element of government, therefore, is the method of choosing leaders.” It is clear now, additionally, that even methods of choosing – including the democratic method – can stand the test of adversity only if the content of the character of the “determined” majority is in good stead. America had that, and strong institutions built and nurtured for centuries, to thank for not relapsing into a “shit-hole-country” just on account of four years in the hands of bizarre managers.

Democracy, like most ideals, won’t work until it is made to work by committed democrats across all divides – religious, ethnic, gender, e.t.c. It took effort for God to create the world and even now that it seems that He has put it on auto-pilot after the creation and fall of man, His occasional interventions are seen here and there, else man redirect the world to the path of self-destruct. Commitment, actions and sacrifices by devotees are the oil in the engines of ideals; else they get knocked-down.

Sadly, it is increasingly rare to find men and women genuinely committed not just to democracy but even to Nigeria itself; you see through the façade and discern all kinds of commitments and exertions but never genuine passion and commitment to democracy or Nigeria. The adversity has spread to other spheres; you will be hard-pressed to find a dozen genuine adherent of any faith from many thousands at hand. Fearfully, this nonchalant, non-committal attitude has crept into the professions (from artisanship to engineering and to medicine) even as majority of Nigerians want the best of everything in life – for their world to look like paradise – without making any effort, not to mention sacrifices.

Every process of redemption starts with reflections and a rethink, followed with the right attitude, commitment and positive actions. Whether for the cause of restructuring Nigeria for genuine Republic and Federation or the goal of true democratic governance by genuine democrats, Nigerians are needed to stand up and be counted, without fear, favour or prejudice! Uncountable gods have died when their last devotee was lost, not to mention mighty nations that are now only history; and not only nations, entire people have become extinct!

In this 21st Century of cut-throat competitions even among nations that are faring well, it is up to us to make up our minds about our collective destiny and, unfortunately, we simply don’t have all the time in the world to do that. In the words of the opening stanza of the National Anthem – Arise, O Compatriots, Nigeria’s Call Obey – a democratic Federal Republic of Nigeria, for real, needs its patriots now more than ever.