Editorial
23 Years After: Democracy At Crossroads
It was exactly 29 years yesterday when a most memorable presidential election was held and its result was criminally nullified by a ravenous cabal. The desire of the Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha regimes to invalidate the election also had a particularly sinister dehumanising and macabre political logic, in addition to its endemic barbaric proportion. But, the emerging nationwide battle for emancipation gave an incredibly defective Constitution, which returned the country to civil rule on May 29, 1999, and returned the military to the barracks.
The persistent clamour and devotion of Nigerians to the principles of June 12 climaxed in the recognition of the day as the annual Democracy Day by President Muhammadu Buhari. It is also to observe that remarkable polling day in 1993 when Nigerians, across ethnic, religious and demographic fault lines, endowed their hopes in freedom in Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, the presumed winner of the election, and the supreme sacrifice he paid in his quest to redeem his mandate.
Unfortunately, nearly 30 years after, rather than sweeping revelries, pessimism still pervades throughout the country as Nigerians encounter the painful truth that the democratic vow of freedom and the pursuit of contentment have been envenomed terribly by purblind leadership, a debased Constitution and an obsequious citizenry. Instead of the inauguration of democracy, the people paid dearly for the baneful mix that has simply conveyed a civil rule with all its concomitant drawbacks.
Thus, the citizens are learning the hard way that deepening democracy and its tremendous ability to emit the imaginative and creative powers of the people goes beyond outward showing of intermittent elections, presence of legislature and other chaotic emblems of government. Democracy has become a mere covering for a few to hijack power and public treasury when these isomorphic institutions fail to achieve the real democratic objectives of personal, political and economic liberty and the pursuit of the greatest good for the most significant number.
More than 20 years of civil rule, it is sad that most Nigerians are not in any way better. Corruption still characterises governance, intensifying poverty and inequality, economic loss and inefficiency, public and private sector dysfunction, failures in infrastructure, rigged economic and political systems, impunity and injustice, organised crime, terrorism and diminished state capacity.
As corruption, in particular, state capture becomes the new normal, public disgruntlement and misanthropy permeate the land. The essential components of democracy — rule of law, social justice, citizens’ participation, responsible political parties, active free press, independent parliament and judiciary — in scanty existence are likewise under ferocious assault.
Significant progress can be assessed by an examination of how far the country has gone in accomplishing these key facets of democracy. For the past 29 years, it has been hard to exacerbate these fundamental values because the executive arm is viciously irresponsible, the legislature pathetically vulnerable, and the judiciary precariously negotiated. The three, of course, share a common DNA — corruption. Dictators or at best deprecating despots have been romping themselves as democrats with their common enemy being freedom of speech.
Democracy faces obsolescence when the citizens are laid-back and freedom is menaced when the media is muffled. Perceiving something that the government claims is satisfactory and pointing out why it is atrocious is a major idiosyncrasy of democracy and a constitutive function of the press. Indeed, it is one of democracy’s most imperative safeguards. The undiscerning Buhari’s regime has been trying to browbeat the media into tractability. The administration plans to criminalise “hate speech,” under a law that may necessitate mass scrutiny and proximate tracking of social media.
Yet, it is generally acknowledged in free societies that what counts as odious is subjective, so “hate speech” laws can be malleable tools for criminalising dissension. Notwithstanding the country’s dynamic press, it ranked an impoverished 115 out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index 2020, where Ghana was 30th, South Africa 31st and Burkina Faso 38th. In defiance of the Constitution and court judgements, the government illegally detains people. Recent cases in Kaduna, Katsina, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States for the non-existent offence of “insulting the President” or a state governor illustrate the people’s gloom.
The constitutionally overly planned separation of powers among the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary that are recognised as a major pillar of representative rule is unstable. At the National Assembly, it has been a contour of legislators permanently seeking group and personal ennoblement; many governors have reduced State Assembly to contemptible subordination, thereby making short attrition of the fragile system of checks and balances. The dysfunction is made complete by the debilitating of the judiciary through corruption and coercion by insubordination to court orders.
Getting elections right and having people of candour to seek public office are necessary precedence for good governance. The differentiating factor of a democracy are the legislators, who are the concierge of the people’s yearnings and authority. But far from being champions of the people’s privileges and advocates of the safety and welfare of the citizens, the federal and state lawmakers are seen as pathetically selfish persons who are mainly involved with accumulating wealth. The captious task of making good laws, exercising oversight over the executive and keeping an eagle eye on public funds have gravely convulsed.
Nigerians must maintain democratic values through active participation. They have been missing in action, largely leaving the space for politicians to define, direct and corner the extras of civil rule. Inclusion and liberty are never achieved on a platter; they could be a long-drawn affair. The people need to constantly wield pressure to secure the ideals. French democracy has its catchwords of “liberty, equality and fraternity,” but citizens reserve their right to pour into the streets to affirm their discretion, irrespective of representative state institutions. Nigerians too need to recoup their vigour and passion in holding public officers accountable.
To halt the trend, civil society groups should re-strategise and re-energise. Labour and student unions need to chuck their unhealthy snug with the corrupt political class and rediscover their activist and progressive tradition. Professionals and academics should re-acquire the spirit of national service and work for the uplifting of the country. Common people as well should shake off complacency and rise above arm-twisting.
The time to act is now. This dismal circumstances demand determined pressure by the people to possess democracy and become masters of their destiny. Nigerians must make democracy work for them, or remain eternally miserable and disheartened. Political restructuring and electoral reforms are imperative. The first will allow for robust federalism while the other will ensure that elections reverberate the free expression of the will of the people.
It is left for the youths to uphold and crystallize what has been accomplished and heighten the democratic culture, values and good governance, without which democracy loses its lifeblood. The media should remain steadfast in its role as a defence against dictatorship and a watchdog to conserve public interest. But, perpetually, the June 12 resolve remains a dominant denotation of national democratic aspirations and a mobilisation point for real assimilation.
Last Friday, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) destroyed fake, counterfeit and substandard drugs worth over N1 trillion in Awka, the Anambra State capital. Recall that for one month, NAFDAC shut the Onitsha Drug Market, restricting shop owners from coming to the market, barricading it with military personnel, while officials broke into and ransacked shops in search of fake drugs.
NAFDAC’s Zonal Director for South-East, Dr. Martin Iluyomade, revealed some of the drugs destroyed to include Analgin, Tramadol, and various paediatric pharmaceuticals, which had been stored in prohibited areas or were banned by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Iluyomade said the closure and raids of the markets where the drugs were confiscated was in response to public complaints regarding the prevalence of fake, substandard and counterfeit drugs in the South-East.
He said: “Many of these drugs are banned, such as Analgin and certain paediatric medications, and they were stored in places that violate WHO regulations. It is our responsibility to ensure that these products are safe and fit for human consumption. These drugs were transported in a 140-foot truck, valued at over N1trillion, and were supposed to be stored at specific temperatures. However, they were kept in markets that do not meet the required standards.
“The volume of drugs found in these two markets could destabilise the country, and many of these are narcotic drugs associated with criminal activities. People who consume these drugs are not only harming themselves but also using them to commit crimes, which contributes to the growing insecurity in our country.”
Unfortunately, that is the chilling reality of counterfeit drugs, and it is a problem NAFDAC is relentlessly fighting. This dramatic action underscores the monumental scale of the problem and the unwavering commitment of NAFDAC to protect public health. The massive destruction highlights the pervasive nature of the counterfeit drug trade and the resources NAFDAC dedicates to combatting it.
Counterfeit drugs are dangerous, even deadly. They can contain the wrong dosage, the wrong active ingredients, or even harmful substances. Imagine taking a pill you believe will cure your illness, only to find it contains something entirely different – something that could worsen human condition or even kill. That is the terrifying reality of the counterfeit drug market.
The insidious world of counterfeit medications poses a grave threat, as these fake drugs often harbour toxic fillers or entirely different, untested chemicals. The consumption of such substances can trigger a cascade of adverse reactions, varying from minor allergic responses to catastrophic organ failure, leaving vulnerable individuals severely harmed. In this critical battle for public health, NAFDAC stands as our frontline defender.
Through tireless monitoring, rigorous inspections, and decisive action against those who peddle these dangerous fakes, NAFDAC acts as a vital gatekeeper, ensuring the safety and efficacy of the medications we depend on. Supporting NAFDAC’s mission is paramount, as it directly equates to safeguarding the lives and well-being of our Nigerians by preventing the proliferation of these harmful and potentially lethal counterfeit medications.
Given the breadth and criticality of NAFDAC’s mandate – regulating everything from food and drugs to cosmetics and medical devices – it is imperative that the Federal Government bolsters the agency’s resources and capabilities. This monumental task, encompassing the entire lifecycle of regulated products from importation to usage, demands substantial investment in infrastructure, advanced technological tools, and a highly skilled workforce.
Under-resourcing NAFDAC risks compromising its ability to effectively monitor and enforce regulations, potentially leading to substandard or counterfeit products entering the market, with devastating consequences for public health and safety. Therefore, increased funding, enhanced training programmes, and optimised operational systems are essential to fortify the agency’s effectiveness and ensure it can continue to protect the Nigerian populace.
No doubt, NAFDAC currently faces numerous hurdles in fulfilling its mandate. These challenges range from inadequate funding and outdated equipment to a lack of personnel and poor training. Insufficient funding directly translates to limited capacity for effective inspection, testing, and enforcement. Imagine trying to police a vast country with only a handful of officers – the task becomes virtually impossible. This lack of resources allows substandard and even dangerous products to enter the market, posing serious risks to public health.
The Federal Government must prioritise NAFDAC’s needs and take decisive action to support, equip, and empower this vital agency. NAFDAC is a cornerstone of public health in Nigeria and its health and economic well-being depend on its support. By providing financial, technological, and human resources, the government can strengthen the organisation’s capacity to protect Nigerians and contribute to national development. Tinubu’s administration must ensure that NAFDAC had the tools it needs to succeed. The lives of millions depend on it.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s ominous forecast of severe flooding in nine states as the rainy season draws nearer serves as a reminder of the country’s vulnerability to environmental disasters. With coastal states like Lagos, Ogun, Delta, and Rivers particularly at risk, the immediate need for proactive mitigation measures cannot be overstated.
This warning demands swift and decisive action from state governments, including the activation of urgent environmental interventions and a concerted effort to encourage citizens residing in flood-prone areas to relocate preemptively. Nigeria’s history is unfortunately punctuated by the devastating impacts of floods, a recurring crisis often compounded by inadequate infrastructure, haphazard urban planning, and a frustratingly slow response to impending threats.
The devastating 2024 floods serve as a stark and traumatic reminder of the catastrophic consequences of neglecting proactive flood management. With over 300 lives lost and more than 1.2 million people impacted across 31 states, the scale of the disaster underscores the urgent need for decisive action.
The UN has allocated $5 million to Nigeria to enhance flood preparedness, aiming to strengthen early warning systems, support emergency response initiatives, and provide relief to vulnerable communities. However, the ultimate responsibility for implementing and maintaining effective flood management strategies lies with Nigerian authorities at all levels, requiring a shift from reactive responses to comprehensive preventative measures.
Nigerian governors should take urgent measures, such as alerting residents in flood-prone areas and removing illegal structures blocking waterways to offer a glimmer of hope. The pervasive complacency across some states remains deeply concerning. This reactive approach, waiting for disaster to strike before responding, has repeatedly resulted in devastating consequences and underscores a critical need for a paradigm shift in flood management plans.
Specifically, in states like Rivers which is surrounded by water, a multi-pronged approach is needed, including strengthening infrastructure, enhancing drainage systems, promoting community engagement, and implementing sustainable land-use planning, while also considering nature-based solutions and early warning systems.
The cyclical nature of flooding in the country is exacerbated by human activities. The dangerous practice of constructing buildings on natural waterways and the rampant issue of indiscriminate waste disposal into drainage systems directly contribute to the problem. These actions obstruct the natural flow of water, leading to overflows and ultimately, the widespread flooding that plagues the nation.
The government’s inaction regarding waste management and environmental upkeep is a significant contributor to the looming environmental crisis. The absence of efficient waste disposal systems, coupled with the lack of environmental projects and proper maintenance of vital drainages and waterways, breeds unsanitary conditions and ecological damage.
This negligence carries a high price, manifesting in public health risks, degraded ecosystems, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters. To reverse the trajectory, a comprehensive strategy is paramount. Importantly, regulatory bodies need to step up their enforcement efforts, ensuring strict adherence to environmental regulations and imposing meaningful penalties on those who violate them.
Such measures are vital not only to curb pollution and irresponsible practices but also to send a clear message that environmental accountability will be enforced. There is a pressing need for the government to overhaul waste management systems, ensuring efficient collection and disposal to prevent blockages in drainage channels.
To mitigate future disasters, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) are urged to launch comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate the public about environmental degradation risks and promote personal responsibility in flood prevention. This will empower citizens to adopt sustainable practices, reduce flood risks, and protect vulnerable communities.
The September floodings in Borno State, resulting in the collapse of the Alau Dam, highlighted Nigeria’s vulnerability to disasters. To mitigate the impact, the government and citizens should work together to demolish structures obstructing natural waterways, dredge rivers and canals, and equip emergency response units to act swiftly in case of a flood.
Long-term strategies must focus on sustainable urban planning, the construction of dams, and continuous public education on environmental stewardship. Crucially, transparency and accountability of ecological funds are paramount to ensure that allocated resources effectively address the challenges at hand. Nigeria should draw valuable lessons from countries like Denmark and the United States, which have successfully implemented flood mitigation plans.
Increased awareness efforts have already resulted in a noticeable reduction in flood-related incidents in subsequent years, underscoring the efficacy of effective measures. State emergency agencies must collaborate, sharing resources and information to create a unified front against flooding. By embracing a culture of preparedness and environmental consciousness, Nigeria can safeguard its communities and build resilience against future natural disasters.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has exemplified a proactive and resolute approach in steadfastly advancing the agenda of his administration, even in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling, which officially recognised Martins Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly. This unwavering commitment to governance and developmental progress underscores the Governor’s dedication to fulfilling his responsibilities to the people of Rivers State, regardless of the prevailing political and legal circumstances.
In meticulously orchestrating and initiating a broad spectrum of project inaugurations in multiple locations within Rivers State, Fubara articulates his resolute determination to honour the assurances given to Rivers people. His strategic focus on delivering tangible developmental projects not only highlights his determination to ensure the continued advancement of the state but also reinforces his vision of sustaining infrastructural growth, social welfare improvements, and economic empowerment.
This proactive stance can be viewed as a strategic move to showcase his administration’s competence and dedication to the public. Through the continuation of infrastructure endeavours and social initiatives, Governor Fubara aspires to reinforce public endorsement and effectively handle the complicated political situation resulting from the Supreme Court’s decision. The commissioning events serve as concrete evidence of the government’s initiatives and achievements, highlighting its commitment to progress.
The announcement of the projects generated widespread excitement throughout the state, with residents eagerly anticipating the institution of major infrastructure developments. The completion of these projects signifies an important milestone for the administration, demonstrating its dedication to fulfilling promises and investing in the state’s future. The Governor’s emphasis on the projects’ potential to drive economic growth, improve public services, and enhance overall quality of life, reflects his administration’s focus on delivering tangible benefits to the people.
The commissioning ceremonies are highly publicised events that attract considerable public attention and participation. This underscores the importance of the projects in enhancing the well-being and infrastructure of key areas in Rivers and Bayelsa States. The projects cover a wide range of sectors including housing, firefighting and emergency response, security, healthcare, education, and judiciary welfare, reflecting a comprehensive development approach essential for community progress.
The allocation of resources across various sectors demonstrates a deliberate strategy to address urgent needs and improve residents’ quality of life. In its efforts to foster safer communities, the government focuses on enhancing security and emergency response measures. Additionally, investments in healthcare and education underline a long-term commitment to human capital growth and well-being.
Among the projects scheduled for commissioning by the state government are the Government House Staff Quarters, the State Fire Service Headquarters with firefighting vehicles, the handover of a helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force, the Borikiri Fire Service Station, and the construction and furnishing of the palace and residence of the Akpor monarch. These projects address critical infrastructure needs and highlight the government’s dedication to enhancing public services and community welfare.
Other projects include the judges’ quarters, Bori General Hospital, Okrika Grammar School, as well as the furnishing, equipping, and electrification of the Nigerian Law School, Yenagoa Campus, and the Rumuodomaya Fire Service Station along with firefighting vehicles. Each of these projects plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life for residents and fostering development across key sectors in the region.
Governor Fubara’s actions speak volumes about his commitment to propelling Rivers State forward. The inauguration of diverse infrastructure projects is a tangible demonstration of his administration’s focus on progress and effective service delivery. This ardent approach extends beyond mere construction; it is a strategic investment in the future. Recall that in December last year, the Governor embarked on a schedule of projects commissioning and flag-offs to advance infrastructure and security across the state.
Through the prioritisation of key industries and allocating resources to essential sectors, the government is laying the groundwork for a more robust and prosperous Rivers State, offering its citizens enhanced opportunities and a higher quality of life. Through these initiatives, Governor Fubara is not just building roads and facilities; he is building trust, fulfilling his promises, and solidifying his leadership as a driver of sustainable development in the state.
The government is clearly committed to improving Rivers State. To say that Governor Fubara is rapidly transforming the state’s landscape with bold development initiatives is simply stating the obvious. In a short period, the Governor has turned the entire state into a vast construction site, with significant projects either underway or already completed — all in spite of the ongoing political challenges.
We join the good people of Rivers State, Nigerians, businesses, and individuals in commending and celebrating the Governor during this remarkable season of project commissioning and inauguration. The projects delivered so far reflect an extraordinary transformation, positioning the state as an attractive destination for investors. This progress stands as a testament to His Excellency’s commitment to leaving Rivers State far better than he found it.