Nigeria captured state under Tinubu amid systemic corruption, untold hardship: Peter Obi
As we join the global community to commemorate International Democracy Day today, we remind ourselves, as a nation, of the need to uphold the tenets of democracy.
These include free speech, observance of civil liberties and the rule of law. It also includes the upholding of the ideals of democracy that are embedded in ensuring accountable institutions and the protection and promotion of human rights.
*Democracy in Nigeria has continued to suffer untold setbacks, heavily burdened by leadership failure which has brought about uncontrolled systemic corruption, high levels of insecurity, lack of freedom of speech, increasing poverty and unprecedented levels of hunger and hardship,*
*These problems have not only remained unsolved but are growing geometrically. The democratic ideals of the nation have, sadly, continued to erode with time, and today, we can be classified as a captured state where the citizens have continued to suffer untold hardship, deprivation and insecurity while the political leadership feasts on state resources.*
In every measurement of true democracy, we have continued to rank low and perform badly, signalling a critical deficiency in our democratic system.
With a democracy index score of 4.23, Nigeria ranks low on the Global Democracy Index, and in other indices of democracy.
In the Corruption Perception Index, we are ranked 145th among the 180 countries measured, showing a high level of corruption in Nigeria.
In Rule of Law Measurement, we are ranked 120 out of 142 countries measured in the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index, showing that Nigeria suffers from gross disobedience to the rule of law.
The 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) described Nigeria as one of West Africa’s most dangerous and difficult countries for journalists. Freedom of speech is grossly suppressed and citizens are gagged from expressing their civic rights.
On a day like this, may we pause and examine our democratic journey as a nation and strive to build our nation on the solid rock of true democracy where every Nigerian is given a voice and a fair hearing, irrespective of tribe, religion or political affiliation.
This remains our commitment to the New Nigeria, and it is POssible. -PO
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Showbiz
Emmy Awards (Full List): Shōgun sets new record
Shōgun led the drama category with 25 nominations, closely followed by FX’s ‘The Bear’, which received 23 nominations.
Economy
NCC urged to release 2022 telecom competition report
PMCRG noted that the study could identify new opportunities for infrastructure sharing and improved market access for businesses.
Showbiz
Michael Jackson’s brother, Tito, dies at 70
Tito Jackson, a founding member of the legendary ‘Jackson 5’ and a staple of American music history, died at 70.
Rights
Defence chief orders investigation into alleged six-year incarceration of naval rating
The DHQ “urges the general public to exercise caution and refrain from spreading unsubstantiated information while the investigation is ongoing.”
Economy
Nwoko urges Delta govt to improve power supply through Okpai Power
Ned Nwoko has urged a concerted effort by the Delta government to take control of the electricity space in the state to ensure improved power supply.
States
Three hoodlums killed in Imo police station attack
The police command in Imo on Sunday foiled an attack by hoodlums on Njaba LGA divisional police headquarters, Umuakah.
