Rebuilding the nation, On democracy we trust
By
"There will never be a free and enlightened State, until the State comes to recognize the individual as a higher and independent power, from which all its own power and authority are derived, and treats him accordingly"— Henry D. Thoreau
THE nation as a whole, is primed and awaits with bated breath, some manifestation of the promised dividends of democracy. Some say the fruits are already evident and available to every one, whilst others say they see none. The whole charade reminds one of the story of the legendary Six Blind Men of Industan, who upon stumbling on an elephant, proceeded to describe its physical characteristics to one another in the light of their blindness.
One of them, running his hands along its sides said that it was like a wall. Another, grabbing hold of its tail said that it was like a rope, while the third blind man after standing on his toes to reach the crown of the elephant’s head, said it was like a mountain; and the fourth groped along the fore-leg and said it was like a tree; and so it went on and on, until all six of them exhausted their description of what the elephant was like. Needless to say, none was absolutely wrong, though each believed he was absolutely right. So are we all – groping in the dark for the fruits of democracy, without anyone actually trying to find out whether the kind of democracy we have now, can bear fruit, or its simply a generic accolade with which we seek to dignify what is at best, a quantitative democracy. This self-delusion by a whole nation would be laughable, were its consequences not so tragic.
Over the past five consecutive weeks, I have tried to draw attention to the factors and principal players in the tragi-comedy, of the real life drama of "The Unmaking Of A Nation", in this instance the Nigerian nation. This Essay is the Epilogue to the dreadful events in the drama of how Nigerians were brutalized, economically raped and denied their rights and aspirations. Mercifully the nation, though bloodied remains unbowed, and there remains a "saving remnant" that will flourish again, like the Biblical Terebinth tree, because (and both Christians and Moslems agree) God loves this Sodom and Gomorrah – like country of our’s, and will continue to spare us for the sake of a few righteous men and women. In the Prophet Isaiah’s vision of the fate that awaited stubborn- hearted Israel, we see a reflection of God’s merciful attitude towards our country: "And though a tenth remains in the land, it will again be laid waste. But as the terebinth and oak, leave stumps when they are cut down, so the Holy Seed will be the stump in the land" To rebuild this morally and economically devastated nation, we must – it is a task that must be done! But we must do so under the guidance of God’s will, with his fear in our hearts, for as the Bible says in the Book of Psalms "Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labour in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stand guard in vain".
It is evident, and we all agree, that collectively man’s wisdom and ingenuity have failed us, as have many of our leaders, both past and present. But the time for wringing our hands and virtually crying over split milk is now over. Now is the time to move forward, not standing still-waiting as it were, for Mr. "Godot" to bring us relief. But if we, as a people, act, henceforth, in accordance with God’s will and purposes for us, we would be entitled to claim the redemptive promise he made in Joel 2: 25-26. "I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten …..You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the LORD your God".
Where then to start from? We must start the rebuilding of this nation on the foundations of justice – any other foundation is like building on sinking sand. But since you cannot have a just nation, without men who are ethically just, we must first begin with the quest for just men, nationally. There is no ethnic group, or state in this country, however vile and morally bankrupt, that will not be able to produce at least 50-100 just men and women, who are sincere and incorruptible. Our immediate task, therefore, is to identify and establish, a nationwide network of just men, who are willing to serve this nation without expectation of corruptly rewarding themselves, and whose notion of service to the nation, has its ethical foundations on the love of one’s neighbour.
There should be no age discrimination in the selection process, and the composition of this apolitical "Ombdusman", although it would be inadvisable, to co-opt young men, who have every legitimate right to aspire to greatness and prosperity. Informal discussions on the formation of this non-partisan, apolitical organisation, will soon be initiated by a group of "concerned Nigerians" and its function would be to collaborate with all the existing NGO’s, who are dedicated to monitoring the evolution and practice of democracy in this country, to act as an unofficial screening body of all candidates for political office, at all levels, through the electoral process. After a thorough and impartial investigation of each candidate for elective office, the organisation should be able to publish its findings as regards the suitability or otherwise of each candidate, for the purpose of assisting the electorate in a particular locality, to make an informed choice, among the various candidates vying for elective office, at both the local, state and federal levels. The body would be disposed to campaign publicly, if necessary, on behalf of those candidates it believes would best serve the public interest. The influence and effectiveness of such a body, will rest upon the degree to which it is perceived by the public to be just, fair, impartial, uncompromisable and incorruptible. It will, therefore, not be open to every Tom, Dick and Harry.
The next area of reform is Electoral Malpractices. It is somewhat amazing, that existing laws against electoral malpractices do not stipulate life sentences, without option of a fine, for those caught violating the law. Clearly, any action that is tantamount to, or results in the subversion of the democratic process, and which thus hinders the orderly and peaceful change of government, and undermines the principles of democracy, is nothing short of treason against the people, and ought to attract the stiffest penalties. Incidentally, under a proposed new law, just sent by the President to the National Assembly there is a blanket ban on sex with girls under 18. The Law, to be known as the "Teenage Sexual Act", declares illegal, any sexual act with any girl under 18 years. It will also be a criminal offence for any one to involve any girl below 18 years in marriage. The former attracts a penalty of life imprisonment. How noble and progressive! But should an electoral crime, that is subversive of the democratic process, and which carries with it the potential of national instability, be visited with less punishment? The nation expects the lawmakers in the National Assembly, who are presently seized with INEC’S amendment to the existing Electoral Laws, to amend the penalty clause to carry a mandatory maximum punishment of life imprisonment. This should act as a deterrent to all the miscreants who are presently hatching plans, on how to rig the impending 2003 Elections, to the detriment of the peaceful and orderly evolution of our democratic process.
The integrity of this process is our only guarantee of stability and progress, now and in the future. Indeed, if all present elected officials had declared their assets prior to the assumption of office, it would have been easy to determine who among the incumbents now seeking re-election, corruptly enriched himself during the tenure of incumbency. But as usual, this requirement was observed more in the breach than in the observance, and we are now faced with the prospect of money-bags buying their way to victory, at the next elections. But our resolve must be that, "they shall not pass!"
The third line of attack, is a massive education campaign of public enlightenment, as regards the electorates constitutional rights, and the power of their votes, to change their present circumstances for the better. If poverty compels some of them, to succumb to electoral bribes, they must resist the total perversion of their souls, by voting according to their consciences, and enlightened self-interest, regardless of the bribes which may have been offered and accepted; after-all much of that is stolen money. But it would be best, to reject all offers of bribe, as this would make it clear to the moneybags, that there are values that money cannot buy. The basis of democracy, which we have chosen as our political system, is the right of the people to freely make and to alter their constitutional government. Neither ethnic "block-voting", as a mark of solidarity with a worthless candidate, nor timorous acquiescence to threats, will bring about necessary changes that are required to change their lives, for the better. Therefore, the uniformed masses, need a massive dose of education and guidance, as to how they should vote, and why, at Election 2003. Their very lives, and the quality of that life, may depend on it.
The fourth requirement, is to compel the different political parties, to publish their Election Manifestoes, well in advance of the elections, for public scrutiny. This time around, no wooly and generalized "mission statement" will be allowed to stand. The manifestoes must contain, a detailed and precise agenda, on how to achieve a more balanced and just federation, against the backdrop of the popular demand for the convening of a "Sovereign National Conference", and the agitation for "Resource Control". It should also contain specifics on the notion of a "Rotational Presidency" and the length of term of office. Also, there should be a blue-print for revamping the national economy, both in the immediate and in the long-term, against the format of a projected National Vision, covering the next quarter of a century. It should in addition include a programme of action, to combat corruption and economic sabotage, through massive looting of the state treasury, that is both realistic and achievable.
Finally, in recognition of the menace of joblessness, and its potential threat to the security and stability of this nation, each party political manifesto must contain precise plans for the mandatory and obligatory absorption, by both the government and private sector, of all graduates who have successfully completed their NYSC assignments.
It should also contain massive schemes for the retraining of road-side mechanics, electricians, plumbers etc all of whom are vital to the growth of the national economy, through access to training facilities both locally and overseas, if necessary, so that this vital work-force can be made more productive.
Without these measures, all talk of "democratic dividends", is simply hot air, which will come to nothing, just as the present concerns about insecurity arising from the threats posed by armed robbers, will continue, without the necessary underpinning, which these infrastructures would provide. The present agitations, and conflicting claims of neglect and marginalization by various groups – Afenifere, Arewa group, Resource Control advocates and proponents of Sovereign National Conference, all have a common denominator, and it is the perception of injustice, inherent in the present policies and actions of the government.
Equally, there is also only one single solution, and it is common to all – the restoration of a regime of justice, and equal access to the goodness with which we are blessed. Therefore, we must see issues such as the war against corruption, transparency and accountability as various aspects of the fight to establish a more just society, in which the law is no respecter of persons, and where no man shall be allowed to get away, with more than he is entitled to. Only upon such a foundation, can the moral moorings of this nation, be successfully secured, and the gains of democracy, become available to all – in equal measure – as dividends of democracy.
Some Nigerians cite the prevailing freedom of speech, under this regime, as evidential proof that democratic dividend is now widely enjoyed. This is really "stuff and nonsense"; and it is such superficial approach by enlightened Nigerians to serious matters, that is so worrying. People talk as if freedom of speech, is the "be all" and "end all" of democracy.
After all, apart from the particularly vicious regime of Abacha, and to a lesser degree the General Buhari/Idiagbon regime, a measure of freedom of speech, similar to what we now have, existed under the Gowon and the Murtala/Obasanjo regime, so Abacha’s regime should not be used, as the yardstick to judge the quantum of the freedom of speech, available in a democracy. A vital element, apart from other equally disconcerting elements, is missing in the operation of the present democratic dispensation, and that is the palpable feeling of an authoritarian streak, both in the Legislature and in the Executive. The joy and exhilaration of being governed under a democratic regime, is the feeling that your view or public opinion, matters, and that it can on occasion, be seen to influence government policy, and the way we are governed. Otherwise, "government of the people, by the people, for the people" has no meaning. Neither of these two institutions of the realm, is listening or appear to be listening, to the people’s public outcry, on a number of issues. Pilatelike, the attitude of the Executive Branch always seems to be, "what I have written, I have written," and the Legislature makes laws which seemingly, like those of the "Meads and Persians changeth not!" People find this attitude disconcerting, and makes nonsense of our claim to be practicing participatory democracy. This is mere illusion and a perversion of true democracy.
When those who govern, are in doubt of the reasonableness of public opinion on an issue of national importance, it is not up to them to clamp an iron curtain, down on such a popular demand and assert that their views are final and non-negotiable. This is not democratic, but an example of benevolent authoritarianism – and benevolent only, in the sense that no coercive force is used, by the government involved.
But it’s consequences are equally injurious to the sense and principles of democracy – just as it would be under a military dictatorship. Chieftains of the various political parties now preparing their parties for the Election battle in 2003, will do well to bear in mind, while formulating their election manifesto this message, which Theobald Wolfe Tone, the Irish revolutionist, conveyed in his Manifesto to the Friends of Freedom in Ireland (1771): "The Greatest Happiness of the Greatest Number – on the rock of this principle let this society rest, and by this let it judge, and determine every political question".
The present temper of the Nigerian public, would not permit the contemplation, let alone the re-introduction of the proverbial "divide and rule" tactics, which has seen this nation severely fractured, and threatened with disintegration. A word is enough for the wise.
January 2002