Democracy been described as a government of the people by the people and for the people. A government predicated on popular consent. Is widely embraced and celebrated across the globe. Nigeria not left out in its practice, is now celebrating its uninterrupted practice for twenty (20) years after it has been short-live in the First Republic (1960-1966) and Second Republic (1979-1983).
The Fourth Republic which has recorded more years of Democratic practice (20 years) in Nigeria. This years has in no doubt recorded many achievements has it has witness power transition from one elected President to another.
First, Olusegun Obasanjo (1999-2007), to Umaru Yardua (2007-2010), Goodluck Jonathan (2010-2015) and now President Muhammadu Buhari (2015-date). With each initiating their policies and programmes for the betterment of the nation.
The uninterrupted democracy today has witnessed the establishment of 36 states, 774 Local Government for the purpose of power sharing. Agencies like NDDC, EFCC, NAFDAC, NDLEA, The North East Development Commission, NIMASA Etc..
Empowerment programmes like Sure-P, YOU-WIN, Amnesty, Npower, School Feeding etc.. Also the establishment of more Federal and State Universities that could not be mentioned Etc…
As a Federal state, the separation of power from the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary is also in place but the legislature and Judiciary has been rock with myriads of problems through power transition and the overbearing attitude of the executive arm.
The States on their part, has also witness a great power transition from 1999 to date with different State agencies, policies and programmes for the betterment of the masses.
Despite all this great and massive achievements recorded in this 20 years of democracy, the Nigeria nation is yet to operate a ful-fledged Federalism where power will be outrightly and independently shared between the Federal, State and Local Government.
The call for Restructuring is still a mirage.
The Federal Govt is still powered by the exclusive list to legislate on key issues in the nation. Local Government autonomy yet to be materialised and the many calls for different Republic e.g Biafra Republic, Niger Delta Republic, Oduduwa Republic among others.
Therefore, celebrating 20 years of democracy is not enough but to more democratized Nigeria and address the pressing issues.
Comr. Keneware Emmanuel writes from Ogulagha, Delta State.
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