What is the truth? What is the alternative? Nigeria has become an unfortunate story without an immediate solution. We must go beyond propaganda to embrace the truth. The truth is Polititcs in Nigeria is grossly stuck in the dark ages, we must embrace modernity to grow. The current system is grossly flawed; "characterised by patronage-the favouring of family and proteges, permeated by cronyism- the favouring of friends, clintellism- the favouring of regular business contacts and political associates and corruption- the giving or taking of bribes to secure a deal"-Professor Richard Griffiths. The politicians simply do as it pleases them due to mass ignorance and unwillingness to mobilise effectively and put pressure on the political elites to play by the rules. People prefer to be bribed; grab your share. A lot of people don't seem to understand the problems and the danger it poses to the future. We can do something about it. This blog is an attempt to help build an 'informed citizenry' that can help change the way things are. What is the truth? ; a new constitution created by the will of the people , a country where people are free from oppression. In a country where the government is above the law of the land, no inclusiveness, people live in 'permanent fear and terror', the quality of life in such a political climate is everyone's guess, a dilemma, a tragedy. Nigeria ranks very poor on governance indicator. The World Justice Project- WJP measuring rule of law adherence, has Ghana as top performer in Sub-Saharan Africa, elections are not expected to be free and fair, ofcourse we should not expect credible elections in a political environment where the government is the referee, player, security and licencing authority. The people don't have a say in choosing their own leaders and the majority deliberately prized out of participation through exorbitant party nomination fees, and other gross abuse of government power, so we should not expect a sound government from such arrangement. Embracing modernity is one sure way to address persistence of 'dysfunctional government, economic stagnation and societal disconnect' in Nigeria. Modernity is about Restructuring the current political system to ensure 'good governance, efficient institutional controls, open and transparent government'. The political system is the biggest threat to good governance , future growth and stability in Nigeria, so something must be done about it. The politicians are simply looking at the next election ignoring the big picture. The country faces the risk of population explosion and there seems not to be enough foundation to cope effectively with this trend given the usual economic and political corruption that has characterised the polity, due to the political system. The truth is that this government cannot get it right in four years given their position on the status-quo the same reason for stagnation and instability, so where is the future under this government? In the 21st century the country needs restructuring to create the new foundations on which the economy and prosperity of its people can advance, which independent/autonomous states offers; free from the political decisions of the centre. The centre is about fragmentation, sectarian divisions, economic and political corruption, political bias and favouritism, dictatorial, wastes and inefficiency etc. No country advances given this phenomenon where development is tied to the dictates of the 'few' at the centre- politicisation of public policies,. Modernity is about freedom, autonomy, adherence to the rule of law, fundamental rights, open government, order and security, regulatory enforcement, absence of corruption, educated leadership; people of expertise and experience leveraging global best practices and partnerships to drive growth and stability, not confusion, corruption and conflict, the 'damaging phenomenon of political corruption' . We must go beyond party politics if we truly want to solve the challenges of the future. These are the same "cliques improperly enriching themselves'', while manipulating the rest of the society. The focus should be a restructured Nigeria free from too much political interference of the centre. Economic development, growth and stability is not too complex, its achievable if we do the needful, play by the rules. All the societies that have embraced modernisation are peaceful and prosperous. The world needs to understand that the answer to Nigeria's problem is less to do with economics than the abuse of power, that's the whole point. This is the time to embrace modernity. The current system is not working, we must try something new; adopt game changing methods which restructuring offers.
Find out more soon.
Uche Okeke is a Statistician, Social Entrepreneur, the Founder of The LEAD Project Foundation, and the Author of Nigeria's Democracy And Its Crisis Deliberate, Avoidable-'Bribe & Bullet'. What Can Be Done About It.
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