A Nigerian academic has expressed doubt that the country remains immune to the authoritarian trends seen in other African nations, citing shrinking civic space and erosion of democratic norms. Reflecting on Democracy Day, the academic noted the contrast between the president's assertion of improved fiscal transparency and the reality of unchecked executive power. The president, according to the account, claimed that public funds are better directed and investor confidence has returned, while also awarding individuals who had faced prosecution and incarceration.
The academic highlighted the paradox of celebrating democracy when only 27% of citizens participated in the 2023 electoral process, with no expectation of improvement by 2027. Reference was made to the Lekki Toll Gate incident, where protesters were killed, and recent dispersals of demonstrations, including the use of tear gas on Sowore and others on June 12. The National Assembly, led by Akpabio, was criticised for passing key bills within minutes and failing to challenge executive actions.
Legislators were accused of doctoring internal documents, with a reference to Oshiomhole and the suspension of a legislative process. Governors were said to mimic the centralisation of power, prioritising projects like Kano's ₦1.5 billion mass wedding initiative. The academic recalled Nigeria's past role as a frontline state against apartheid, contrasting it with the current failure to protect Nigerians facing expulsion from South Africa.
Some South Africans have protested the anti-Black sentiment, warning it harms their economy, while politician Malema suggested the chaos has official backing. The Catholic Church marked June 12 as the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, with Mass held at 6.30 am at St Sebastian's Cathedral, Ijebu-Ode. The academic attended the service before engaging in an online lecture and later reading the president's Democracy Day speech. Festus Adedayo described the state of democracy as "broken bottles on our forehead," while 75% of Nigerians expressed dissatisfaction with the current democratic system.
The president celebrates fiscal transparency while presiding over a democracy where dissent is met with tear gas and detention. Legislators who rubber-stamp executive decisions receive awards, not scrutiny. The same government that claims to uphold freedom oversaw a 27% voter turnout and unchecked violence against protesters. If democracy is measured by participation and accountability, then the numbers tell a different story from the speeches.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
