On Wednesday, Prof Igho Natufe, President General of Okpe Union Worldwide, voiced serious concerns about Nigeria's democratic future, warning that the country is teetering on the edge of authoritarianism. In his address marking the 31st anniversary of the June 12, 1993, election and the 25th anniversary of the return to civilian government, Natufe underscored that Nigeria is struggling to maintain its hybrid regime status in the global Democracy Index.
In his paper, "The Problematic of Democracy and Governance in Nigeria," Natufe called for Nigerians to demand good governance, accountability, and transparency from their leaders. He criticized the current constitution's failure to secure the welfare of the people and advocated for a national conference to draft a new constitution that respects Nigeria's ethnic diversity and guarantees fundamental democratic rights.
Natufe condemned attempts to impose a unitary socio-political structure, warning it could lead to disintegration. He dismissed the notion that periodic elections alone signify democracy, citing flawed electoral processes and the pervasive influence of anti-democratic practices.
Reflecting on the annulment of the June 12, 1993, election, Natufe castigated the military dictatorship that followed and praised MKO Abiola for his electoral victory and ultimate sacrifice. He also criticized the endemic corruption and poor governance in Nigeria, calling for judicial reform and an end to the practice of gifting vehicles to justices, which compromises judicial independence.
Natufe urged for the democratization of traditional institutions to align with modern republican values and stressed the need for federalism-compliant political parties and genuine political participation. He decried the excessive allowances and perks enjoyed by legislators as a misuse of public funds, further exacerbating Nigeria's governance challenges.
