We need to deepen our democracy

From a poet, writer, administrator, scholar, Business consultant and an advocate of peace initiative, ethnic and cultural orientation in Africa, I can say that Nigeria may be on the track to attaining sustainable democracy. However, a few considerations must be imbibed for this to happen. First and foremost, there is a need for credible elections. […]

From a poet, writer, administrator, scholar, Business consultant and an advocate of peace initiative, ethnic and cultural orientation in Africa, I can say that Nigeria may be on the track to attaining sustainable democracy. However, a few considerations must be imbibed for this to happen.

First and foremost, there is a need for credible elections. To some extent on a systematic basis, this has gone a long way in Nigeria’s democracy. Since the beginning of the fourth Republic, we had gone through series of elections, which both the government and the governed “actively” participated in. In all of these, the most credible one is the last election. It was most eventful, credible and historical in the Nigerian political agenda, as well as African democracy.

However, there is a need for improvement, especially in the role played by various actors. Most importantly, cooperation of the civic society that cuts across all spectrums of various ethnic, social and cultural societies is needed. The Electoral Commission must be impartial, neutral and straight forward at all times.

The various parties and foreign observers are not exempted. They must also do their parts effectively. The just concluded election portrayed Nigeria in good light. In fact other nations can learn from us.

The nation demonstrated a high level of maturity and we should keep that up.

Owoicho Henry O. Ogbo wrote from Otukpo, Benue State.