Democracy Day: For Nigeria's Democracy to be Sustained, Rule of Law Most be Taken Seriously - Amb. Oladele John Nihi

Nigeria has over the years witnessed a robust democratic era without the interference of the military or external forces, and as the country marks her 21st Democracy Day, the Pan-African Youth Union (PYU) Commissioner for Youth Political Participation in Africa, Amb. Oladele John Nihi, commemorate with Nigerians.

The Youth Commissioner congratulates Africa's most populous country for sustaining democracy for over two decades. While noting that the country needs to drastically adjusts in some key areas to further drive home dividends of democracy to her citizens. Amb. Oladele John Nihi sets two points agenda for possible consideration by Nigeria's political leaders:

1. Corruption Free Society

With a growing population of almost 200 million, an abundance of untapped resources and a partially privatised economy, Nigeria is a treasure on the African continent for potential investors. However, widespread corruption, volatile political tensions and a history of violent elections and frauds have deterred foreign investment. These challenges have undermined the legitimacy of its democracy and its potential to integrate Africa into the global economy.
By properly harnessing the resources in Nigeria, the country could place Africa on a roadmap to economic stability. And In other to achieve this, leaders in Nigeria political society needs to purge out corruption and give room for the economy to strive.
Amb Oladele John Nihi commends President Buhari's fight against corruption, and for Nigeria to stand tall among other global communities worthy of emulation. While noting that there is still much work to be done as a country, to permanently lay the issue of corruption to rest.

2. Opposition and Rule of Law

In any democratic society, rule of law is treated with outmost priority, and the opposition given a leveled playground to checkmate the activities of the ruling party. The opposition is to constantly look out for policies that could be of benefits to the citizens and make recommendations for the ruling party to follow. Sadly, Nigeria's democracy is yet to achieve this feet; as oppositions in the country believes their single role is attacking the Government even without justification; as this could be tagged as politics of bitterness, or sentimental politics rather.

Despite pre-election violence, the 2015 election was welcomed as a watershed moment in history as the nation saw the first transfer of power to the opposition via the ballot. Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was able to change the narrative by handling power to the opposition without violence. This is a typical example of events capable of transforming Nigeria political structure for the better. For Nigeria's democracy to be sustained, rule of law and the opposition have to be taken seriously.

"As we commemorate the democratic election of MKO Abiola on June 12, 1993, in what has been adjudged to be Nigeria's freest and fairest elections, let us also put into consideration the need for us to sustain democracy in Nigeria. I wish Nigeria happy 21st celebration of her Democracy Day" Amb. Oladele John Nihi said.

The Youth Commissioner also admonished Nigerian leaders to step up their service delivery to the country, especially in this era of COVID-19 that the people needs to feel the impacts of a true and working democratic government.

Kelvin Oluseyi Eleta
SA New Media to the Commissioner
Pan-African Youth Union (PYU)