By Mojúbàolú Olufúnké Okome
Somber Day! As though Nigeria did not have enough problems, the coup in the Republic of Niger created even more worries. In large part, this is due to the coup’s implications for not just Nigeria, but the West African region.
The Sahelian countries’ efforts at democratization have failed. ECOWAS, chaired by the President of Nigeria, threw down the gauntlet and declared an ultimatum, calling for the restoration of Mohammed Bazoum, the overthrown President, imposing sanctions, and threatening invasion Niger if the restoration was not done. The coup makers refused.
Other Sahelian countries, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, also led by coup makers vowed to support Niger if ECOWAS invaded. The deadline has passed. ECOWAS did not invade, diplomatic measures are still underway, and Nigeria’s Senate did not approve the President’s request to invade Niger (https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/614650-analysis-niger-coup-tinubu-ecowas-in-dilemma-on-deadline-day.html). If the situation in Niger is not resolved soon, there would be grave social, economic and political ramifications for Nigeria. We should also expect refugees from Niger, and the entire region would be similarly affected.
Amid the stormy gale, some promising developments include the maturation of some elements of democracy. Predominantly, the success of the checks and balances—the legislature playing its constitutional role of checking the executive from declaring war. However, it is not yet uhuru. Nigeria’s democratization is still evolving. The country needs stronger institutions and better dedication to democratic principles.
Isn’t it curious that Nigeria is making a big deal over respect for the outcome of elections, given the shaky foundations of democracy in our dear country? We are yet to be successful with electoral integrity. Our election management body, INEC is by no means fit for purpose. Our Presidential election results are still being contested in the courts. These too are signs that we are experiencing a maturation of democracy. Those who lost the elections chose to bring lawsuits—in essence, following the rules instead of disrupting the system.
Besides the serious problems caused by the Nigerien coup, majority of Nigerians are still being buffeted by the harsh aftereffects of the removal of the petrol subsidy and the new naira exchange rate policy. Both measures have increased the precarity in the lives of already overstretched people who are straining under the pressures of making ends meet.
The 2020 #EndSARS youth protesters also showed a belief in democracy in their call for good governance, an end to police brutality, extortion, impunity, economic inequality, marginalization and political violence, as well as the targeting of youths and other minorities. #EndSARS peaceful protests were harshly suppressed in violation of democratic principles.
Two years on, Nigerians must commit to strengthening our fledgling democracy. An essential part of what is needed is that it is unacceptable that peacefully demonstrating youths at #LekkiTollGate & other locations were massacred by government forces. The right to peacefully protest, freedom of speech and freedom of association should all be sacrosanct in a well-functioning democracy.
#NigerianWomenArise
#EndPoliceBrutalityinNigeriaNOW
#EndSars
#EndSWAT
#EndImpunity.
Howard Zinn’s words are applicable to Nigeria’s efforts at democratization: “Civil disobedience, that’s not our problem. Our problem is that people are obedient all over the world in the face of poverty and starvation and stupidity, and war, and cruelty. Our problem is that people are obedient while the jails are full of petty thieves, and all the while, the grand thieves are running the country. That’s our problem.” Democracy cannot thrive amid deep and rising poverty, war, and cruelty. Hardship should not be allowed to dehumanize the poor and drive them to desperation. Further precarity does not only inflict hardship and precarity on the poor, it challenges the essence of democracy.
Now for my voice in the wilderness moment:
Let the kleptocrats give back our stolen wealth so that we can fix our infrastructure, schools, hospitals, and also offer worthwhile social protection to our people. Let the masses enjoy the full benefits of citizenship in Nigeria. Let the leaders and political class repent and build peace with justice. This is no time for politics as usual. The people elected should be those trusted to bring justice, equity, and human security to the entire country, not expedient, unethical, and egocentric individuals determined to dominate for self aggrandizement or sectional gain. We don’t need oligarchs’ continued domination. We also need a government that puts the interests of majority of citizens first.
