By Nnabugwu Chizoba (Development
Practitioner)
I am an ardent believer that
Democracy, as a system of government, is built, developed and sustained on the core
principles of Separation of Power.
My unflinching disposition with regard
to this thinking line, is informed by my conviction that, Separation of Power,
gives room for sharing of government responsibilities among the different arms
of government. With this in mind, therefore, there is no doubt that the
intendment of the Principles of Separation of Power is to discourage any of the
arms of government from interfering into the core mandate of another. The reason(s)
basically is to prevent the abuse that is likely to occur if power is concentrated
in any arm and more importantly to provide opportunity for checks and balances.
On the strength of the above, I
consider it not just imperative but also expedient to say that Democracy, right
from inception, presumes the reign of mutual control: citizens’ engagement, dialogue,
negotiations, and collective opinion in decision making. Fired by this belief,
I therefore, do not harbor any trepidation in my conclusion that Democracy, is
driven through healthy interactions among the various arms of government.
The above is instructive, especially
when one considers that, the governance system that is referred to as
Democracy, is defined as “government of
the people, by the people and for the people”. This definition, in every respect,
indicates that Democracy, which derives its being from the people, owes its
existence, to the people and for the people.
Learning from the above, it is quite
glaring that the requirement for constant engagement of the people in
governance processes is a matter of right. Treating it with levity, for any reason,
is an indication that a leader is either naïve, does not regard the people or harbors
an ulterior motive; whichever, the leader must be called to order.
Nigeria, as an independent country,
marked her 57th independence anniversary, on the 1st of October 2017, which implies
57 years of self-rule and self-determination. Common sense therefore, demands
that, as the Nation grows older, some elementary issues such as, respect for
the Constitution and all arms of government and institutions should occupy the desirability
and attention of government.
Keen observers of developments in Nigeria
and the polity in the recent times, would attest to the fact that the Executive
arm has been over bearing and tends to treat other arms of government with a
bit of disdain. A development, which if not checked, may give rise to a state
of lawlessness and disorder. It is increasingly becoming obvious that the
government is elevating blackmail as an instrument of governance, in her bid to
have its way and serve as the only viable hope of the masses.
By substantially downplaying the role
of the Constitution in governance, and ignoring the role of reputable
institutions and organs of governance and owing to the gap provided, allowing
sentiment and feelings to dictate the way and manner government activities and
programmes should be piloted is very dangerous. Worst also, when it is done in such
a manner reminiscent of what the street urchins in Nigeria easily codify as “open-eye”.
Mischief makers and hangers-on in
government will never seize to amuse me because of their treatment of citizens that
contribute to national issues but, whose views/opinions run contrary or counter
theirs or that of their pay master(s). How wrong they are and will always be,
if they continue with such.
Sometimes, I ask, could that be their
understanding of the process of building Democracy or that their intentions are
to harass, intimidate, frustrate and couch people to submit to their own whims
and caprices?
Whatever it is that they set out to
achieve, they have and will always fail. It is an act of idleness, and stunted
mental health to contemplate that Nigerians will chicken out from voicing out against
what they know is obviously wrong, simply because of the despicable attacks of
some fickle minded individuals within the corridors of power, who will abandon their
so called master, for another government when the chips are down. To shrink because
of such, would also mean surrendering not just ones right(s) and conscience but,
refraining from doing what is right and indeed expected of one.
The right of citizens to contribute
profoundly in the development of Democracy, through constructive input as practiced
elsewhere in the world is in my thinking sacrosanct. If by any stretch of the imagination,
the leadership of today, decides to tilt towards subjecting and submitting, the
whole gamut of efforts and opinions necessary for meaningful development in the
country, to the Executive, as represented by a cabal is to say the least,
wicked, insensitive and a prove of lack of direction by the government.
Active participation as citizens’
right in Democratic governance should not be toyed with or treated in a manner
that suggests or likely to be misconstrued as such. If anything, the government
should understand that, non-participation by the citizens is inimical to the
government and the society in general.
The government, must accept the
reality that, whenever citizens touch on issues that relate to the integrity of
government, it is not meant to weaken it but, to highlight areas that demands
urgent attention for the right things to be done and that government continues
to occupy a pride of place in the nation and the international community as
well.
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