If the honest truth must be told, the idea of a true democratic system existing anywhere is a farce. Democracy is an idealism in the same way as one might say that perfectionism is an idealism. Idealism is always borne out of an aspiration to achieve a better state- so it can be said to be relative (the premise is simple enough to understand without going into the philosophies of Hegel or Kant). The ideal principles of democracy would involve everyone participating equally and benefitting equally in a political system. The reality is the opposite hence the incessant politicking (at exorbitant costs!) to the State. If Britain and America with centuries of practising have not got it right it is not surprising that Nigeria has not got it right either! This is not supposed to endorse what is going on in Nigeria- where the brand of democracy is out of this world. It is indigenised and confused. Getting it right however means reducing the margin for disenfranchisement (what should stop Nigerians in the Diaspora from being able to vote?); cross-carpeting also poses a moral question (in the least) nonetheless it is not a new phenomenon. In the United States for example, it dates back to 1855 when Reuben Fenton switched from the Democratic to the Republican.  In Britain, party- switching is a common occurrence where members of Labour, Conservative and Liberal democrat hop when it suits them. This has made some political observers wonder if there is ever any real party manifesto which is truly committed to change; and it all seems to suggest that party members are in politics for the gravy train. The recent expenses scandal in Britain goes to support this. It was clear that the majority of British MPs across all parties fell foul of the second home expenses rule, they all had their sticky fingers in the kitty- one would say.

The Nigerian model of party-hopping is a class on its own. The former Vice President was once known to have hopped over to another party while still occupying the office of the vice-president which he was voted to on the platform of another party! Mere mortals (the poor populace) probably expect too much from these hybrids (politicians)! What incentives do voters have therefore to vote when it is clear that votes do not count anymore? The recent cross-carpeting of governors Yuguda (Bauchi State) and Ohakim (Imo State) - both to the PDP, further confirms the point that the electorate is insignificant. Politicians do what they like basically! The subsequent impeachment of Gadi (Yuguda’s deputy) allegedly because he refused to decamp with Yuguda is mind-boggling!

Many voters have become increasingly disillusioned by the idea of a multi-party democratic system. Recent events show that parties lack originality (some will say ideas!) in terms of policies (currently characterised by a mish-mash of recycled ideas), cross-carpeting and recent scandals (across the world’s political systems especially recently in Britain) would make political observers conclude that the one party system subsists because of the obvious convergence that we see. In Britain since the aftermath of the expenses scandal, Independents are coming up to fight for seats and are even grouping to form alliances outside party lines. In Nigeria, the ongoing trend shows that in no time at all, PDP will take over! I am keen to see what happens next in Edo State. Oshiomhole (an AC governor) from recent ‘engagements and affiliations’ is showing signs of being gradually wooed by the PDP- so watch the space!

The principle of democracy is a noble one! Its application on the other hand is prone to misapprehension. Can the practice of ‘democracy’ truly be a ‘do or die’ affair? The main deviation from the noble ideas of democracy is caused by greed and corruption. Altruism, utilitarianism, egalitarianism are principles which share common roots with the ideology of democracy. Unfortunately, the whole concept has been marred by politicking, jostling for positions to fulfil personal ambitions (Hillary in the Obama saga), abuse of the peoples’ trust (corruption by elected public office holders in Nigeria and Britain) and a waste of public money. The waste associated with practising democracy is horrendous. There is too much focus on setting up structures- offices, parastatals, quangos etc. Democracy in its modern form has become cumbersome and overburdened by bureaucracy; it has been overtaken by structuralism. This is much like removing the eye off the goal! What then is the end game? Again, as earlier stated this is relative. In Nigeria or any developing African country, the end game is development, education, health, food, housing and the list goes on. Many years on since independence, Nigeria is still at the drawing table! What then are the so-called ‘dividends of democracy’ a phrase that we have all now got used to? It definitely isn’t the unending rhetoric that is heard on a never ending basis.

Robot  # 1 | 07.10.2009 10:43

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