Time to redefine our democracy

Paul Arhewe

(Published 10/1/2012)



Nigerians protesting over fuel price hike

The simplest and most popular definition of the term ‘democracy’ is that proffered by the former American president, Abraham Lincoln (1809 -1865). For him democracy is “government of the people, by the people, for the people.” Nigeria may claim she is administering the American presidential system of government; however, it is funny how our leaders continue to taunt us that democracy is in place here.

Let the truth be told, what the country is practicing as democracy is a far cry away from any resemblance of its tenets and principles. In an ideal democracy the people are supreme, because they are the ultimate sovereign since power resides in them. The masses’ wishes most always count; prior to, during and after elections and in all government policies. Can we attest that Nigerians wishes are been recognised and upheld during any of these phases of electioneering and the consummation of government policies and programmes? Since the intension of government to discard fuel subsidy was unveiled last year majority of Nigerians have openly kicked against it. However, in an obstinate demeanour, President Goodluck Jonathan and his government want their wish to supersede those of the masses. It is an aberration when our government chooses each time to dance to the drumbeats of Breton Woods Institutions in total disregard to the wish of the people. It is amazing, how each time cronies of World Bank and IMF are around the corridors of power some unpopular anti-Nigerian policies are introduced with non-appealable seal.

The removal of fuel subsidy is indeed another phase of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) that hindered and moved the country miles away from the progress ladder of development when it was implemented in the mid 80s and early 90s. Whose better admonition does our government needs before it reframes from its anti-people policy than those from the man who steered the ship then? Former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida recently said the idea of removing fuel subsidy was ill timed. “The issue of subsidy should be seen more as politics and not economics, because the sole purpose of government is for the good of the people and not to create hardship.” I believe he is talking from experience. Though, President Goodluck Jonathan meant well for Nigerians by taking a bold step towards the removal of subsidy on fuel, nevertheless, his good intensions cannot run contrary to the wishes of the masses. By tenaciously going ahead to implement the policy, while the National Assembly was yet to pass the 2012 Appropriation Bill into law amounts to an autocratic display of power.

Nigerian leaders have so much become accustomed to military dictatorial rule, which has characterised about two-third of the country’s political history that the tenets of democratic principles are been discarded like rubbish. As a student of Public Administration I was taught that the executive arm of government has the power to prepare the budget, while the power for budgetary authorisation and appropriations lies solely with the legislative arm of government, except in some rare situations where the president may will his veto power to subdue the lawmakers.

The Nigerian constitution has conspicuously defined these exceptional grounds. By going ahead to implement the removal of subsidy on fuel, while the budget for 2012 is yet to be appropriated, the president and his executive cabinets are culpable of ultra vires and have usurped on the powers of the legislators. I think the legislatures should rise to the occasion and protect their legislative jurisdiction that is been encroached upon here. It is important to also note that the country’s 2011 budget was amended to run till 31st March this year. This means the subsidy ought to be on ground till the end of March. The question is where would, its provisions in this extended last quota go to.

It is germane that an education institution or the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) be saddled with the extra responsibility of orientating, in an explicit programme, the rudiments of democracy and public administration to elected leaders before they are sworn into offices. Our leaders should know that in a democratic setting it is not the people that serve every whim of those in power, but government relies on the needs and desires of the majority in fashioning policies to be implemented. Any exception to the above negates the social contract and political mandate entrusted on those elected to lead the masses.