In my opinion, there is nothing more celebrating than a nation of fulfilled citizenery in terms of political, socio-economic, infrastructural- welfare advancement and development which remains a dream yet to come true in Nigeria. With declaration of June 12 as a democracy day in honour of MKO Abiola, the supposed self-acclaimed winner of 1993 Presidential election, the government should reflect, review and see where we are and what are we doing to deliver true dividends of democracy worth celebrating to Nigerians.

Ideally, democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people. The political system of choosing and changing government is through free and fair election by active participation of citizens in politics and civic life without undermining human rights, protection of lives, properties and promotion of interest and welfare of the people as stipulated in the constitution with supremacy of law.

In Nigeria, we practise bastardized democracy. A system of government where few retired military men drafted the constitution, directly or indirectly formulate and sponsor political parties with ideologies favourable to them, fatherism/ imposition of candidates is peculiar to primary elections for flag bearer and excos of political parties, skewed policies formulation , execution and implementation with little or no regard for rule of law. A system of government for the rich and croonies with emphasy on self enrichment, poverty- ladden methodology of pocketing and control of citizens with no room for criticism, human rights are secondary and daily loss of lives to insecurity is seen as a norm without apology.
The three arms of government (executive, legislature and judiciary) have similar selfish interest but different roles to play across government levels- federal, state and local. Good governance is far from the reality as tenent and principles guiding democracy are sidelined and relegated to shambles similar to what we are experiencing. The executive does not honour court rulings or legislatives summon, likewise the legislative chambers and members are not proactive and responsive enough to their functions with party ideology superceding national matters of interest. As for the judiciary, he who pays the piper dictates the tune syndrome, is militating against interpretation of law of the constitution as every judge and lawyer have a price. In other words, judgements are influenced and bought as far as Nigeria is concern.

Civil servants in ministries, departments, agencies and more are insincere and corroborating corruption across board. Security agents are now instruments in the hand of politicians as a result of self gratification above protection of every life of individuals and properties. Unrest and insecurity is the order of the day with no concrete arrest and prosecution of sponsors behind these attacks causing loss of lives on daily basis e.g kidnapping, banditry, terrorism etc. An army of unemployed youth in millions is another national concern degenerating further and government across levels are paying lip service without decisive action to profer lasting solutions. Challenges bedevilling Nigeria are enermous and little or no attention are given to address the situation thereby increasing agitations and call for separation of regions by IPOB, Odua etc

The earlier the government, elites and Nigerians agree and reconsider honour, hard work and true service to revamp the present decaying Nigeria state, the better for us and generation unborn. The President should take the lead as the head and let others follow if we truely love our dear nation, Nigeria. Until we have a country that the instititions and system works, supremacy of rule of law; values honour, dignity and respect above riches, meaningful standard of living of Nigerians without discrimination and fundamentals of true democracy are practised and respected, Democracy Day Celebration is a mere shadow of deceit.

God help our nation, leaders and Nigerians.
God bless