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  • Features
  • Updated: February 09, 2023

2023: Three Most Crucial Pillars of Nigeria's Democracy

2023: Three Most Crucial Pillars of Nigeria's Democracy

In the political arena of Nigeria today, nothing is more critical than the forthcoming general election and the sustainability of representative democracy.

In this piece, we will itemise the most important pillars that could either strengthen or weaken Nigeria's democracy, as attested by the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.

For the record, the success or failure of the democratic process in Nigeria rests solely on  Nigeria’s judiciary, security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Like the gameplay in the home, God forbids Nigeria's democracy not last past the 2023 general election.

The three key players are the pillars Nigerians should hold accountable. 

This piece is not to plant fear and tension into Nigerians' minds but to bring the relevance of the three frontiers to your notice.

The judiciary

The judiciary is the last hope of the ordinary person.

It is saddled with the responsibility of interpreting the laws and punishing the offenders.

Nigerians will come to them before and after the polls to lay claims to electoral redress.

The firmness of the organ of government in this political period will make democracy sustainable.

Wike spoke the minds of many Nigerians: “When you begin to see a lot of interpretations, you begin to wonder where we are heading.

"Different interpretations not from lawyers, but from the courts on the same subject matter.”

To sustain Nigeria's democracy, already marred by destructive realities such as ethnicity, religion and lack of trust in the government, the judiciary has to be up and doing its duties.

The country requires that the judiciary take on its responsibilities head-on.

It is somewhat meaningless for them to know the law and lack the courage to firmly declare its intent and spirit glaringly over cases before them.

The security agencies

The security agencies are the movers and shakers of relative peace in Nigeria.

Records have also shown that the Nigerian security architecture finds solace in enforcing laws on harmless citizens than protecting and maintaining law and order in the polity. 

At this crucial time, Nigerians expect and will appreciate them if they ensure universal peace, sustain harmonious interaction and repel all attacks on the political process.

All arms of the security network, both local and national, are required to be alert to play active security roles in securing lives and properties.

Nigerians bear the thoughts that when Nigeria's security forces want to work, they will not disappoint.

Therefore, they must be ready to work in the forthcoming general election and its aftermath.

INEC

The electoral umpire is crucial to the sustenance of democratic principles beyond 2023.

Nigerians want it to be transparent and conduct the poll without fear or favour.

It should also execute its duties with the utmost professionalism and patriotism.

The more loopholes Nigerians find in the election, the more dissatisfied they will be with the electoral process.

Nyesom Wike is a politician, a controversial one at that.

But he tells the truth when he says, “If INEC wants to conduct a free and fair election, they can do it.

"If the security agencies wish to, there will be peace.

"And if the judiciary wants the law to be interpreted the way it is, they can do so. 

When that is done, people will be happy and confident in representative democracy.

 At this time, it is the duty of the judiciary, security agencies, and INEC to save this country.

And if the country fails during the process, Nigerians are safe to point fingers at the three pillars of government.

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