By Ikenna Nwokedi
The Faculty of Social Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka on Wednesday, 7th February 2024 held her first Faculty Colloquium.
The Colloquium which is the first of its kind for the Faculty titled: “Democracy of Miscreancy: The Development Somersault” was held at the New Faculty of Social Sciences Hall.
Declaring the event open, UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone averred that it is noteworthy that the Colloquium with a unique topic is taking place one year after the 2023 Nigeria’s election cycle which produced arguably the most keenly contested elections and most disputed presidential election results.
Prof. Esimone who was represented by the Special Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor (SAVC) on Academic Matters, Prof. Frederick Odibo informed that the Colloquium offers yet another opportunity to interrogate the conduct of the 2023 elections and importantly the concept of democracy and it’s putative nexus with economic development.
Esimone pointed out that Nigerian parlance democracy is defined as the government of the people by the people and for the people which considers it a system of government in which all eligible citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives.
The scholar stated that notwithstanding the spread of democracy around the world, the concept has attracted criticisms in equal measure from around the world from classical antiquity, through the post-classical period, the early modern period, the romantic era and up to the present times. He affirmed that it has been observed that democracy does not guarantee the emergence of good political leadership but the salvation is the constitutional periodic elections which offers the electorate the opportunities to decide anew.
In his address, the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Frank Collins Okafor described Colloquium as a conference where scholars and experts present papers, analyse and discuss specific topic with important questions and answers aimed at dealing with current, cutting edge concerns through preparatory studies followed by a debate and a meeting to formulate policies.
Prof. Okafor described the topic as germane, interesting and timely based on the presenter’s insight into the seemingly shark-infested political terrain called Nigeria and it’s implications on the development of the nation.
The Professor of Political Science informed that Nigerian democracy is under siege and emergence care unit under deliberate conspiracy of the political miscreants whose modus operandi is antithetical to any meaningful development in the country.
In his paper presentation on the title, “Democracy of Miscreancy: The Developmental Somersault”, Prof. Harry Obi-Nwosu said that Democracy at its best describes the principle of government and administration which satisfies the desires of the people, where the will of the people is the topmost priority.
The Professor of Clinical-Forensic Psychology outlined the four basic principles that underlies the democratic culture as freedom of assembly, association and personal property; freedom of religion, speech, citizenship and voting right as well as freedom of unwarranted government deprivation of the right of life, liberty and exercise of minority rights.
Prof. Obi-Nwosu who also is the Director, Centre for Counselling and Career Development in the institution described Miscreancy as a behaviour, actions and acts that are inconsistent with constitutional democracy, highlighting characteristics of miscreancy on the part of the students, the lecturers, religious leaders, administrators, security officer, lawmaker, governors and president.
The University Don concluded by saying that constitutional democracy brings every level of leadership from the family upwards into focus and it is characterized by citizens welfare and the rule of law.
The Colloquium also featured discussions on the paper title led by the immediate past Head of Political Science Department, Prof. Jaja Nwanegbo with questions, comments and responses from top scholars in the Faculty.
Other highlights of the occasion was decoration of the Guest Lecturer, Prof. Obi-Nwosu with a medal of honour by the VC representative, Prof. Odibo, for delivering the first Colloquium lecture and a vote of thanks by Dr. Uzoechina.
