Nyesom Wike and Mike Ozekhome Clash Over Nigeria's Democratic Progress and Current State
In a recent event in Abuja, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and rights activist and constitutional lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), expressed divergent views on Nigeria's 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance and the current state of the country under the administration of President Tinubu.
Ozekhome, serving as the guest speaker at the second edition of This Nigeria's lecture and award event, themed "25 Years of Unbroken Democracy: Challenges, Prospects, and Possibilities," offered a critical view on the state of democracy in Nigeria.
He contended that the current form of democracy has not fulfilled its promises. "We may have a civilian government, but whether it constitutes true democracy is questionable.
Democracy implies that the people elect or select their leaders, that votes are counted and meaningful. Only when this is the case can we say that the leaders are truly elected or selected by the people.
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In such a democracy, the people are analogous to the dog, and the elected officials to the tail; it is not for the tail to wag the dog," he elaborated.
He painted a grim picture of the current state of Nigeria, highlighting mass poverty, degradation, and anger among the populace.
He criticized the government's handling of the economy, particularly the increase in fuel prices and the lack of support for small-scale industries. "Nigerians are suffering. Nobody should deceive the president.
Mass poverty, degradation, and anger are rampant in the country. Do not be misled by others; instead, disguise yourself and witness the hunger and fury firsthand.
The public's anger stems from the fuel price surge from N192 per litre to N650 and N800. Small-scale industries, which are typically a nation's backbone, are on the brink of collapse. Affording fuel for even a small generator for a barbershop has become a question," Ozekhome commented.
In response, Wike disagreed with Ozekhome's assessment, arguing that it was wrong to suggest that no progress had been made.
He pointed to his work as the FCT minister, supported by an award from the event organizers, as evidence of progress. "Merely being activists does not ensure success. Activists have consistently failed. When you served in the Senate, what was our performance like?" Wike inquired.
The event highlighted the ongoing debate in Nigeria about the state of democracy and the challenges facing the country.
While Ozekhome emphasized the need for reform and criticized the current government, Wike defended the progress made under the Tinubu administration. The clash between the two speakers underscored the complex and multifaceted nature of Nigeria's political landscape.
