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Restoring Faith in Nigeria’s Democracy: New Paths to Guaranteed Outcomes

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2 years ago

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Across the world, there is a consensus that Nigeria is a very strategic country. Its enormous population size of more than 200 million people clearly sets it apart as one of the most populous destinations on earth, and home to the largest concentration of black people in the world. Our beloved country is also renowned for its large mineral deposits and extensive gas reserves, economic and political influence in Africa, especially in the West African region. This great nation also enjoys longstanding trade and diplomatic relationships with the most dominant global powers including the US, China, and the European Union.

Beyond all of these, and as important as they are, my estimation of the most important strength of Nigeria lies in the dynamic adaptability, intellect and resilience of our people. Our true greatness, I dare say, comes from the power and reach of ordinary Nigerians, the individuals whose energy, passion and imagination are creatively expanding the frontiers of our awareness, interactions, and the cultural memories we shall leave for future generations. Through the traffic gridlocks along Lagos roads to the ever-busy markets in Aba and Kano, the most common descriptions that capture the Nigerian spirit are energy, resilience, creativity and industry. Outside the shores of our country, from Washington to Boston, London, Brussels, Rio de Janeiro and Shanghai, Nigerians are remarkable for our exceptional ability to adapt to new environments and realities, systems and cultures.

Nigeria, many who are familiar with the country and its dominant ethos will agree, is a very beautiful country; but it is also a deeply controversial place. To the incurable optimist, Nigeria is the most fantastic place on earth — good weather condition, friendly population and a fine mix of urban and sub-urban locations. At the opposite end of the pole are implacable cynics, those who can effortlessly place all the troubles in the world within Nigeria’s geographic boundaries. This latter group are very likely to remember Nigeria as the origin of most of the scam proposals that hit their emails, a place of poverty and hopelessness, and definitely, a country with very corrupt political and business elites. In all honesty, there is no exact way to exhaustively look at Nigeria. To be able to understand it quite objectively, one must appreciate the good without attempting to downplay the not-so-good. Nigeria is troubled and that’s very true. But it is also a place of opportunities, a land of dreams and a cradle of hope for tens of millions of people. To properly situate Nigeria’s objective reality is a very difficult assignment; it requires one to take a step back, and then gaze into the future to imagine what could be, as against what is, and what was.

Nigeria at the beginning of the new millennium was a place of hope, a land brimming with expectations. Many had looked forward to the future with great optimism around the middle of 1999 as the country, after years of uncertainty with its attendant cost in human lives and material resources, returned to democratic rule. The return to democracy at the end of the 20th century was believed in many quarters, and for good reasons too, as the ultimate elixir to catapult Nigeria to its true place of greatness. The rich promises of democracy, and the enthusiasm with which it was embraced after years of anticipation, convinced many that the 21st century was ours to take.

In view of our ugly experiences with military dictators headlined by false and unfulfilled promises, corruption and plain disregard for civil rights, millions of Nigerians pinned their hopes of national revival on the shoulders of the newly elected democratic leaders, believing firmly that the participatory governance model will usher in a new era of mass prosperity, restoration and expansion of our stock of public infrastructure, and ascension in the order of global importance. It has been 25 long years since Nigeria took this path; sadly, the outcome has been a far cry from what was expected at the turn of the new millennium.

Democracy in Nigeria has regrettably left very sour taste in the mouths of millions of patriotic citizens. Many lives have been lost through violence, often in pursuit of core democratic ideals such as exercising one’s right to vote or be voted for. Millions have fled their communities and the country altogether — believing that it is safer to watch things from afar, without the risks of getting involved. For scores of millions of others, their faith in democracy has been greeted with eviscerating poverty, insecurity and job losses. The basic amenities that are taken for granted, even in neighbouring African countries, are a distant reality for millions of our people.

Across Nigeria, there is disillusionment with how the country has fared over the last 25 years. In 1999, it would have been impossible to suggest that after twenty five years, we will still be struggling with public electricity supply, petrol scarcity or that the public schools and hospitals would be where they are today. Unfortunately, that is our reality. Getting out of the quagmire requires some truth telling, an honest assessment and an admission that we could have done better — and then evaluate the options before us.

Across the world, there is a great reawakening amongst the Nigerian diaspora community, the body of professionals and the army of educated but thoroughly dissatisfied young people who are simply frustrated with the reality and misery of their daily existence. Many Nigerians living within and outside the country are coming to the awareness that the destiny of our country is too important to be left in the hands of career politicians and their cronies. This is not a good time to talk about patriotism to millions of our compatriots because of the bad experiences, unpleasant memories, and ugly reports we are regularly fed with, some bordering on the most bizarre and ridiculous. Our situation, to say the least, is very distressing.

Although doubts and cynicisms remain about what to do and what outcomes may be achieved in the renewed agitation for a country that serves the yearnings of its citizens, the new consciousness that we deserve better, could be a great turning point in our journey to national restoration. It needs to be said at once that the efforts to turn things around will not yield immediate results and not much will be achieved if we imagine that the quest for a more functional society should only be restricted to just a few persons or groups. While I would agree that like in every significant venture, some persons will, for variety of reasons, make more sacrifices than others, it must nevertheless be made known that there is a role for everyone in the on-going struggle to reclaim our country from the grip of the vicious forces that have held it down for ages, and finally set it free to attain its fullest potential.

Although it is true that Nigerians must, as a matter of patriotic duty, stay at the forefront of this enormous struggle to tilt things along a more productive path, it has to equally be acknowledged that we shall need all the help we can get from our friends around the world to rebuild our country from the ruins of the bad decisions of yesteryears. The crises of today, including challenges in governance, economic upheavals, widespread insecurity across several parts of the country, hunger and poverty, and other pointers to national failure, can be traced to the misjudgements of the past — especially in our choice of leaders across the national and subnational levels, and the terrible decisions made by those leaders on our collective behalf. We can no longer afford to play the ostrich. Nigeria is where it is today because we had either refused to fully acknowledge, and take up our obligations as patriots, or had gone about it the wrong way in the choices we made over the years. The good news however is that our country is not beyond redemption, irrespective of whatever doomsday cynics say.

Nigeria, and its democracy, can be recovered and restored but that will only happen when we come to terms with the responsibilities and obligations of citizenship. The inescapable truth is that our duties as citizens, leaders, friends and lovers of Nigeria can no longer be put off. The only way out of the present quagmire which has made millions of Nigerians refugees in their homelands and hundreds of thousands of others unwilling migrants overseas, is to appreciate that as citizens, we have all it takes to turn the tide around.

The theme of our intervention today rightly acknowledges that all is not well, that democracy has not taken us to the destination we desire — that what started as a beautiful dream, has become for millions, a terrible nightmare. Freedom comes from knowledge so we have to ask ourselves the hard questions that will ultimately bring us to the place where responsibility replaces blames and all fingers pointed outwards, towards others, redirected at ourselves.

Democracy can be likened to a medical prescription. In regular medical prescriptions, there are responsibilities the patient must undertake to bear such as avoiding certain foods and beverages, and other exposures that may hurt the potency of the drugs administered. This same system of regulations and responsibilities applies to democracy. Unfortunately, that is where we have largely failed because we had assumed, perhaps in error, that once this prescription is taken, all will be well, irrespective of what we did, or refused to do. Regrettably, that has not worked. The failures of the last 25 years, vis-à-vis the progress recorded in other democratic societies across the world, even within Africa, tells us clearly that the fault is not in democracy, but in the way we have interacted with it. Like the man who hopes to overcome his health challenges by diligently taking his drugs, the time has come for us to go through the prescription booklets, read the fine prints to find out what we may have missed. Returning to the basics will help us to get our acts together in terms of how we make choices at the polls, and interact with public officials, whether elected or appointed. We may also need to re-evaluate how we engage with the broad spectrum of stakeholders, officials and institutions including the law enforcement agencies, political parties, law makers and of course, the courts. From a careful study of governance systems across the world, one thing I can say with certainty is that democracy and docility cannot go together.

The most enduring appeal of democracy is the voice it gives every adult in the society — an opportunity to have a say in how public affairs are conducted. The ultimate good for the majority cannot be attained in a culture that promotes docility over courage, especially when things are not going according to plan. It is, however, important to state quickly that courage must never be misrepresented to mean violence and destruction. As a matter of fact, democracy abhors violence expressed in any form, verbally or physically.

The tremendous advances in information and communications technology offer us an important leverage previous generations never had. The key advantage for me is the reach and influence of new media platforms — the power to share our thoughts and views on any major issue with millions of people across geographical boundaries. If what you say or write from a small corner of your room anywhere in the world can be read or heard thousands of miles away with very little effort on your part, why then does anyone need to burn down public buildings or destroy the property of fellow citizens to get the attention of leaders? It may be news to many but I can assure you that even the most hardened, unconscionable dictator pays attention to the expressed opinions and views of the public because every man or woman of power understands the power of small voices amplified by technology and persistence.

To rebuild the damaged foundation of our democracy, we need to regain our voices. I am not ignorant of the frustration and disappointment millions of our young people feel in the light of recent electoral outcomes where you contributed financial and other valuable resources to support your favourite candidates in state and national elections but unfortunately, things did not go the way those who designed the structural foundations of democracy envisioned.

As somebody who had faced the challenge that comes with electoral injustice, I know exactly what many of our young patriots are going through but my story also teaches some important lessons in persistence and faith, especially in the face of disappointment. We must refuse to give up on democracy, and on our dear country. The young people of Nigeria, at home and in the diaspora, will be the largest and most enduring influence on the texture and dynamics of Nigeria’s democracy in the next 25 years. It is these young, seemingly uncoordinated voices on various social media platforms that will determine what becomes of our democracy in the next few decades. Admitted that the social and economic troubles of the moment have made the pursuit of certain democratic ideals herculean, my conviction is that nothing will stop the present generation of young Nigerians from fulfilling their destiny, having discovered it in the miseries and setbacks of the present age.

These are excerpts of a paper presented by Dr. Otti, OFR, the Executive Governor of Abia State at the October 2024 “Nigeria in the World” Seminar.

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Media Training

Abia NUJ Correspondents Chapel Holds 2026 Press Week, Media Retreat, Tasks Journalists On Credibility Ahead Of 2027 Elections

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11 hours ago

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November 5, 2026

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Correspondents Chapel, Abia State Council, has commenced activities marking its 2026 Press Week and 26th Media Retreat, with a call on journalists to uphold professionalism, credibility and responsible journalism ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The three-day programme, featuring knowledge sharing, reflection, networking and celebration of journalistic excellence, is being held under the theme, “The Future of Journalism and Disinformation: Preparing Abia Media Practitioners for 2027 Elections.”

Speaking during the retreat, the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, described journalism as a critical pillar of democracy, noting that the media plays a vital role in bridging the gap between government and the governed, promoting accountability and providing citizens with credible information.

Kanu observed that the rapid development of artificial intelligence and other digital technologies had transformed the way news is gathered, processed and disseminated, while creating new challenges through fake news, deepfakes and deliberate misinformation.

He urged journalists to strengthen their digital literacy, investigative reporting and fact-checking skills, stressing that professional responsibility and accuracy must remain the guiding principles of journalism.

The Commissioner maintained that access to credible information was essential for an informed society, advising media practitioners against sacrificing accuracy for speed or sensational headlines.

In her address, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abia State, Professor Sylvia Uchenna Agu, identified public trust and information credibility as critical factors that would determine the success of the 2027 general elections.

Professor Agu said elections were not won or lost only at polling units but also through public perception, information and confidence in the electoral process.

She urged journalists to appreciate their influence in shaping public opinion, warning that inaccurate reports and deliberate misinformation could undermine electoral credibility and public confidence in INEC.

The REC described the media and the electoral commission as partners in the democratic process, stressing the need for collaboration in promoting transparency, accountability and peaceful elections.

She disclosed that INEC was strengthening its technological capacity ahead of the 2027 elections through improved voter accreditation systems, electronic transmission of polling-unit results, cybersecurity measures and continuous testing of electoral equipment.

Professor Agu further explained that the Commission was investing in staff training, retraining and simulation exercises to ensure adequate preparedness for the forthcoming elections.

She called on journalists to verify election-related information before publication, advising them to consult INEC’s official platforms and relevant authorities rather than rely on unverified social media reports.

The REC also encouraged media organisations to educate the public on relevant provisions of the Electoral Act, particularly those relating to voter accreditation, electronic transmission of results and transparency in election management.

Earlier, veteran journalist Chimdi Oluoha described journalism as indispensable to democracy, noting that journalists serve as watchdogs who monitor the relationship between government and citizens.

Oluoha explained that democracy operates on a social contract in which citizens elect leaders with the expectation of effective governance, while the media monitors the performance of both parties.

He stressed that journalists must continually acquire knowledge and deepen their understanding of democratic principles to discharge their responsibilities effectively.

According to him, the fundamental duty of journalism is to report the whole truth, warning that half-truths and misinformation could erode public confidence in the media.

The retreat is expected to continue with further activities before its grand finale on Friday.

From : Onyebuchi Juliet Nwabu
FIC umuahia .
5th November 2026.

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BURNING ISSUE

Abia Records 530 Applications For 173 Pocket Layout Housing Units, Moves To Strengthen Healthcare Emergency Response

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1 day ago

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November 4, 2026

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Abia State Government has disclosed that its Pocket Layout Housing Estate has attracted about 530 applications for 173 residential units under development.

While also announcing plans to strengthen specialised neurological healthcare and public health emergency response in the state.


The developments were among the highlights of the State Executive Council briefing by Governor Alex Otti, who said Abia had been selected as the most suitable location for a proposed Stroke and Neurovascular Centre following its participation in the 2026 Sweden-Africa Neurosurgery Symposium in Gothenburg, Sweden.
The proposed centre is expected to improve access to specialised diagnosis, treatment and management of stroke and other neurovascular conditions, potentially serving patients across Nigeria and West Africa.
On public health emergencies, the government said it had established a multi-sectoral preparedness and response technical working group and developed an Ebola Preparedness and Response Plan.
The remodelled Mother and Child Specialist Hospital has been designated as an Ebola isolation facility pending completion of the Infectious Disease Hospital in Aba, while the isolation facility at the Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Amachara, Umuahia, will complement the state’s response capacity.


The government also reported that no cases of Ebola, Lassa fever, COVID-19, diphtheria or cholera were recorded between October 18 and November 1, 2026.
On housing, Governor Otti disclosed that the overwhelming interest in the 173 Pocket Layout residential units had prompted the government to consider a lottery-based allocation system to ensure transparency, fairness and equal opportunity for applicants.
He added that a comprehensive assessment of existing government housing estates and layouts was ongoing to identify deficiencies in internal roads, utilities, security and other essential infrastructure requiring government attention.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the revival of abandoned federal housing projects through land provision and other necessary interventions.
Other highlights of the briefing included agricultural interventions across the 17 local government areas, preparations for the 2026 Aba Fashion Week, Christmas celebrations and the Abia Tertiary Institutions Sports Fiesta, expected to attract about 1,850 participants.
The initiatives, according to the government, form part of its broader development agenda covering healthcare, housing, agriculture, creative enterprise and youth development.

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NEWS

Otti Unveils Crusaders Club, Charges Students To Drive Transformation As Sports Fiesta Begins

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2 days ago

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November 3, 2026

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Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has unveiled the New Abia Crusaders Club as part of his administration’s efforts to promote responsible leadership, innovation, integrity and community service among students of tertiary institutions in the state.

The Governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, educational advancement, skills development and sporting excellence at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Abia State Tertiary Education Sports Fiesta held in Umuahia.

Governor Otti, who was represented at the event by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, said the establishment of the New Abia Crusaders Club reflected his administration’s conviction that building a New Abia goes beyond physical infrastructure to include investing in people, restoring societal values and preparing young people for leadership and responsible citizenship.

He explained that the New Abia agenda was anchored on the belief that purposeful leadership, hard work, discipline, integrity and collective responsibility were essential ingredients for building a state that works for everyone.

The Governor described education as one of the most important investments in the future of Abia State, stressing that tertiary institutions must evolve beyond traditional centres of learning to become hubs of innovation, research, entrepreneurship, critical thinking and practical solutions to societal challenges.

According to him, his administration was determined to produce graduates who would not merely possess academic certificates but would also become problem-solvers, innovators, employers of labour and responsible citizens equipped to compete favourably in the global economy.

He said the New Abia Crusaders Club would provide students with a structured platform to develop leadership qualities, promote volunteerism, encourage innovation and embrace responsible citizenship through meaningful community service.

Governor Otti charged members of the club to distinguish themselves through integrity, excellence, discipline and selfless service, urging them to choose honesty over dishonesty, excellence over mediocrity, service over entitlement and unity over division.

He encouraged the club’s leadership to introduce mentorship programmes, academic and innovation competitions, environmental initiatives and community development projects capable of delivering measurable benefits to society.

Addressing the students, the Governor urged them to invest in their personal development, uphold strong moral values and take active responsibility for shaping the kind of society they wished to inherit.

He maintained that leadership did not begin with occupying public office but with the choices individuals made, the problems they solved and the positive influence they exerted within their communities.

Governor Otti assured the students that his administration would sustain policies and programmes aimed at expanding access to quality education, promoting digital literacy and skills acquisition, encouraging innovation and creating opportunities for productive employment and entrepreneurship.

He further urged members of the New Abia Crusaders Club not to limit their involvement to identifying with the New Abia agenda but to become active ambassadors of its values through their conduct, contributions and commitment to the development of the state.

In his address, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, highlighted the importance of sports as a vehicle for physical development, talent discovery, social integration and the exploration of career opportunities for young people.

He expressed appreciation to the executive committee and members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for their support, encouragement and constructive contributions towards the development of the initiative.

The Commissioner also commended the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Uche Eme-Uche, for her collaboration and commitment to the success of the event, while acknowledging the contributions of rectors, heads of tertiary institutions and other stakeholders.

He explained that the Sports Fiesta was conceived to extend beyond sporting competitions by providing young people with opportunities to discover their talents, develop their potential and explore career prospects in the sports industry.

Ananaba called on stakeholders to continue supporting initiatives that integrate education, sports and youth development, describing unity and education as fundamental pillars of individual growth and institutional stability.

He urged participating students and officials to demonstrate discipline, sportsmanship and respect for the rules throughout the competitions.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Central Organising Committee and Special Adviser to the Governor on Tertiary Education, Dr Emeka Enyiazu, described the Sports Fiesta as a landmark initiative in education, youth development and institutional cooperation.

Enyiazu said the event had established a common platform for federal, state and private tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, to interact, compete and showcase their talents.

He noted that the initiative was designed to break institutional barriers, promote inclusion and create opportunities for talented students who might otherwise remain undiscovered.

According to him, the fiesta reflected the Governor’s understanding that education extends beyond the acquisition of certificates, while effective youth development requires practical opportunities for young people to discover their abilities, build character, develop discipline and prepare for national and international competitions.

He commended the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Uche Eme-Uche; the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development; the Chief of Staff to the Governor; members of the organising committee; and the management, staff and students of participating institutions for their contributions to the initiative.

Enyiazu charged the athletes to compete courageously, respect their opponents and uphold the principles of fair play, stressing that the greatest victory was not merely defeating others but becoming better individuals.

In his remarks, the Founder and Pro-Chancellor of Lux Mundi University, Umuahia, Professor Gabriel Okenwa, commended Governor Otti for what he described as visionary and transformational leadership, particularly in infrastructure, education and human capital development.

He maintained that good governance deserved commendation irrespective of political affiliation, adding that the Sports Fiesta would promote unity, discipline and excellence among young people.

Okenwa also commended the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development and the Chairman of the Sports Fiesta, Chief Emeka Inyama, alongside members of the organising committee, for their contributions to the success of the initiative.

He urged participating students to compete with pride, fairness and sportsmanship, while sustaining the bonds of unity and friendship beyond the competitions.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tertiary Education, Chinyere Okeziem-Nwoko, Esq., expressed appreciation to the Governor for his continued support for educational advancement, youth empowerment and sporting excellence.
She acknowledged the contributions of Professor Uche Eme-Uche, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, the Central Organising Committee, heads of tertiary institutions, athletes, coaches, officials, security agencies, the media and other stakeholders.

Okeziem-Nwoko said the Sports Fiesta and the unveiling of the New Abia Crusaders Club represented important opportunities to discover talents, nurture champions and raise a generation of young people who would serve as proud ambassadors of Abia State.

The 2026 Abia State Tertiary Education Sports Fiesta brought together students and representatives of participating tertiary institutions in a celebration of talent, healthy competition, friendship and institutional collaboration.

The event also featured a colourful match-past competition involving participating tertiary institutions, with students showcasing their institutional identities, discipline and pride.

Dignitaries present included the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel C. Meribole; the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Uche Eme-Uche; other government functionaries; heads of tertiary institutions; members of the organising committee; athletes and other stakeholders.

8

 

FIC Correspondent office of the Deputy Governor
Amah Ijeoma
O3/10/2026

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