Nigeria’s unique style of governance

I have wondered for a very long-time what manner or style of governance Nigeria practices.  Some school of thought, howbeit to my mind those benefitting from the system, would argue that the country practices a very healthy democracy.  Others insist that oligarchy is firmly enthroned in Nigeria, while yet others say it appears and feels […]

I have wondered for a very long-time what manner or style of governance Nigeria practices.  Some school of thought, howbeit to my mind those benefitting from the system, would argue that the country practices a very healthy democracy.  Others insist that oligarchy is firmly enthroned in Nigeria, while yet others say it appears and feels like an autocracy.   Then another group fiercely argues that what is in practice is nothing other than gerontocracy.  

These arguments leave me wondering and sometimes bemused, why the sheer mass of well-schooled social scientists in the country cannot simply agree on a very simple matter.  Why throw different shades of governance at us, leaving us lay people to make the decision ourselves?  Surely it can’t be that convoluted, can it?  Could it be that they throw up those erudite arguments to obfuscate the simple minded like me or perhaps could it be that they want to appear scholarly?  I cannot tell.

One thing is certain, the only time Nigeria can claim she practices democracy is when a semblance of elections is conducted, as elections are seen as one of the important indicators of a democracy.  However, the outcomes of the elections are a different matter altogether.  Even a toddler can run a commentary on the process and make a near accurate prediction on the results of election in the country.  

In fact, when I scan the news on the country’s elections in whatever form – general elections, by-elections, council elections, etc, I cannot help but feel depressed with both the process and the outcomes.  The violence which has become a norm and upshots of recycled ‘professional’ politicians gives off an outlook that does not show that the country is on its path to inclusive development anytime soon.  The same kinds of persons, cronies and protégés cut from the same cloth keep on showing up as ‘leaders’ at the different levels of governance.   Consider me a pessimist and I would not argue the point, but I would rather err on the side of pragmatism.  I have lived in, loved and hoped for a better Nigeria most part of my years of sojourn, and keeps getting disappointed, cycle after cycle of elections and shaking my head at the combustible trajectory the country is traveling.

Second, does a country that gleefully tramples on the rights of ordinary citizens qualify to be called a democracy?  Can ordinary Nigerian citizens boast of having freedom of expression and freedom after expression?  Can they freely assembly?  Or can people really say that they have the freedom to associate at any time or anywhere?  Ask young responsible Nigerians these questions and they will produce an epistle on police brutality, the cybercrimes act and the ultimate decision to survive in a challenging system.

So, if Nigeria does not practice a democracy what then does she practice? A discerning mind will access the kind of ‘leaders’ this country has had for a long time – their age, style, gender, the pervasive clientelism, the kinds of laws passed, lack of independence of the legislative arm, judicial obeisance to the executive arm, controversial political judgments, skewed methods of conducting elections, voters’ apathy during elections, ways of appointments to public institutions, information manipulation by spin doctors and cronies of power holders, the well-known fact that change only occur when the interest of politicians somehow coincide with that of the people, the fact that the welfare of the electorates matter little, the use of security apparatus and laws by those in power at any given time, the list is unlimited.  

It’s not rocket science, Nigeria practices a ‘gerontocracy’ and I am unequivocal about my submission.  I have argued this point on several occasions and those who differ in opinion would later quietly concede and yet claim I must be out of my mind to think it in the first place.  Even crazier to be audacious enough to put it out in public domain, but I believe I have done scholars of governance and political scientists a favour by expressing it.  

Is the reader expecting me to elucidate on what this ‘gerontocracy’ mean?  I guess I would simply say the handwriting is on the wall and it has been there for a very long time. Read it, ponder on it, observe the kind of governance the country has had over time, and then quietly agree with me or fiercely disagree, it matters little.  Sadly, the light will soon dawn on you if it hasn’t done so already and you will also agree with me in your closet at some point.  Otherwise, please continue to wallow in self-delusion. It’s your choice, but I have said my own. 

 

Amachree, a governance and gender expert wrote from Abuja