How not to practise democracy

LEADERSHIP without accountability can be called rulership, but democracy without freedom is certainly dictatorship. It is said that when the purpose of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable. It looks like the purpose of power within a democratic setting is not known here in Nigeria, and therefore abuse is unavoidable. Since 1999, many have been of the opinion that democracy is being practised in Nigeria. They may say so because they do not see people with military uniforms occupying public offices. But the “agbada politicians’” approach to issues in the polity shows that the “agbada” is civilian- like but the voice is military- like.

Are we really in a democratic setting? Has there been a change from the attitude of the military? I do not think so. During the military era, there was no access to information about most things because it was always considered as classified information. Trying to publish some information was considered a breach of security and thus the subsequent clamp down on media outfits and journalists. I thought all that had changed, but when the last administration apprehended Mr. Gbenga Aruleba and others, I realised that transition from the military era had not taken place. Many issues had shown in the recent past that the democracy the world was applauding Nigeria for, had remained a dream.

Corruption has been seen at different levels of governance. But the major impediment to arresting this ugly monster that is eating up the polity is inaccessibility to information concerning the management of state funds and resources. Corrupt public office holders had been pointing the way of detractors. But for the fact that we do not have access to all the information, we cannot really say whether all the allegations against them are true or they are the handiwork of detractors. Many public office holders became super rich suddenly. Their assets which were publicly declared could not be ascertained by the average citizen. Many are alleged to have awarded contracts to their own companies or transferred state funds to foreign accounts. But aside probe panels, the public cannot access most of these information, which makes the issues beclouded with controversies.
Can there be democracy without freedom? You may say no, but in Nigeria, the answer is yes. Nigerians have been without freedom of information since 1999.

Members of the National Assembly are just representing themselves and the interests of their godfathers. If they are there representing the people, what hinders them from passing the Freedom of Information Bill ? They have passed bills that are not as important as the Freedom of Information Bill. I believe that some people somewhere do not want that bill passed. But the present day legislators should ensure the passage of the bill and stop keeping us wondering whether they were selected or elected. The time to pass that bill is now!

Arinze Alinnor A.,
P.O.Box 17985,
Ikeja, Lagos.
arinze198@gmail.com

Lessons from Things Fall Apart

AS the whole world gathers to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first publication of the venerated Prof. Chinua Achebe's book Things Fall Apart Nigerians cannot but salute the fecundity of mind that produced such a literary classic.

That Things Fall Apart is perhaps the greatest work of art to come out of Africa is perhaps an understatement. Here is a book that has been translated into several African languages, and has also become a reference point when it comes to issues concerning Africa, as the former US President Jimmy Carter was reported to have consulted the book in order to gain insight into the culture of the people on his first visit to Nigeria.

That Things Fall Apart continues to gather momentum and relevance 50 years after its first publication illustrates clearly what all right thinking people have been saying all along and that is "ideas rule the world".

It may be argued that the book Things Fall Apart has immortalised its author as the book will continue to be relevant after the demise of the author and this is the simple lesson for Nigeria's ruling class( or is it "theiving" class?) who have made a mess of the country with their insatiable greed and primitive accumulative tendencies,as trillions of naira which should have been used for the public good have found their way into private pockets and personal offshore bank accounts.

The immortality of Chinua Achebe was again demonstrated when at the height of former President Obasanjo's dictatorship,he rejected the national award given to him by the ex- president, citing his displeasure with the way the former ruler was leading the country, particularly with regard to the way he was handling the crisis in his home state of Anambra.This was at a time almost everybody was genuflecting before the former president and also working for an outrageous third term in office for the ex -president.This he was able to do because his achievements speak for him, hence he dosen't need to curry government favour to be recognised.

The instructive thing to note and ponder upon as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Things Fall Apart (and this appeal is specifically directed at the youth whose sense of values and priorities have become misplaced and corrupted) is that no amount of stealing or looting can cover up for your deficiencies and ineptitude, you will always be exposed in the long run.

The best you can do is to develop your intellect and God-given capabilities to benefit your immediate environment

Babs Iwalewa,
Kaduna.