By Ikenna Nwokedi
The Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi has emphasized the essence of true democratic practices for a state which seeks to attain sustainable national growth and development.
Prof. Akinwumi made the assertion on Wednesday, 19th June 2024 while presenting the keynote address on the occasion of the two-day second Biennial Conference of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) held at the Chisco Institute for Transportation Studies Auditorium, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
Prof. Akinwumi averred that 25 years of sustainable democratization which is the longest in the nation’s history under a single trajectory is by every standard, a huge achievement worthy of celebration. The scholar informed that even with the achievements, there is also need for deep retrospection, introspection and prospection, to connect the past with the present and chart an alternative democratic future.
The FULOKOJA VC noted that Nigeria’s transition towards democracy is reflected in its institutional reforms and efforts to strengthen democratic institutions with the Judiciary playing a critical role in upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens’ rights while the Civil Society organizations and the media continue to advocate for transparency, accountability and good governance.
Prof. Akinwumi said: “Despite the positive developments occasion by the advent of Democracy, Nigeria’s transition is not without setbacks, including persistent socio-economic challenges, ethnic and religious tensions, and security threats. Therefore, while Nigeria has made significant strides towards democratization over the past decades, the country remains in a transitional phase with ongoing efforts needed to consolidate democratic gains and address remaining challenges.
“There is no doubt that Nigeria remains unmistakably in a state of transition, characterized by ongoing political changes that signify a shift towards democracy. This transition is evident in various key indicators. Firstly, Nigeria has experienced multiple cycles of democratic elections since the end of military rule in 1999, reflecting a commitment to democratic governance which is particularly evident in our electoral process.
“For the first time in our history, we have experienced six uninterrupted transitions spanning from 2003 to 2007 to 2011 continuing to 2015, 2019 and 2023, and despite the numerous challenges, Nigerians have successfully sustained these democratic transitions over the past twenty-five years, which is a cause for celebration,” Akinwumi stated.
The scholar also gave an insight on how Nigeria transitioned to democratic governance following a series of failed attempts at democratic transitions orchestrated by military regime under General Ibrahim Babangida and General Sani Abacha followed by a successful transfer of power by General Abdulsalam Abubakar to a democratically elected government marking a significant turning point in the nation’s political and democratic journey.
Prof. Akinwumi also informed that the restoration of democratic governance heralded the establishment of vital institutions like the legislature, which had been suspended during military rule while also pointing out that achieving robust separation of powers in Nigeria has proven difficult because the judiciary and legislature, particularly at the state level, are heavily reliant on the executive.
The FULOKOJA VC however affirmed that humanities can play a vital role in intervening decisively to address Nigeria’s current predicaments through humanities’ education, critical thinking, ethical awareness and civic education which can be nurtured to foster a renaissance in the nation.
