It is a day set aside to commemorate the restoration of Democratic rule in Nigeria from Military rule.
In today's news analysis correspondent chronicles the journey of democracy in Nigeria vis-a-vis the way forward in advancing democracy in Nigeria.
A one time President of the United States of America, Abraham Lincoln, once defined Democracy as a Government of the people by the people and for the people.
Some other school of thought, also added that Democracy is about good Governance with strict adherence to the rule of law and the constitution as well as better welfare package for the people, that is secure through due process of the land, in which the people are the prime consideration of policies.
The struggle for Democracy in Nigeria has been a long one, dating back into the Colonial era where Students, workers, market men and women, some traditional rulers,as well as leading political figures, including the media, were involved in the process, which later contributed to the attainment of Independence on October 1 1960 and a republic in 1963.
Nigeria as an heterogeneous nation with diverse ethnic groups, and different religions gained her Independence from her colonial master, there by putting an end to colonialism,imperialism,therefore paving way for democratic rule in the country.
After the attainment of Independence Nigeria was greeted with corruption by some politicians and civil servants, election manipulation of all kinds, tribalism, nepotism among others brought about instability and pave way for the first coup in 1966 which was followed by another coup in that same year and led to three years civil war in the country.
Democracy was briefly restorted in 1979 - 1983,but some certain factors such as electoral manipulation, corrupt politicians among others brought about the Military rule and was followed by series of Military Juntas.
The dreaded of all the Military rule was that of General Sani Abacha and was ended by his sudden death in 1998 and his successor General Abdulsalam Abubakar promised a transition to Democracy and accordly a new constitution was adopted in May 5 1999, elections were held and retired General Olusegun Obasanjo who has previously govern Nigeria as a Military ruler was elected president.
No doubt the end of Military rule in 1999 has brought about an era of regular elections, as well as the return of civil liberties, free press and an end to arbitrary arrest and torture, but that is not to say that Human Rights are not violated occasionally.
With the smooth transition of one government to the other in Nigeria, one can say that Democracy is growing but there are more to be done.
Nigeria Politicians should learn to practice politics of ideology and not politics of self interest, that sometimes over heat the politic of the country.
Political parties,politicians and their supporters should emulate the virtues of Democracy which was copied from the western world by refraining from election violence, election manipulation, killing of opposition members, damaging of electoral materials and sometimes destruction of property worth millions of naira.
Politicians should also learn to concede defeat and stop litigation that most times slow governance but rather they should join hands with the winning party to bring developed to the land.
Every Nigerian irrespective of political affiliation or not, must allow Democracy to grow by avoiding act and things that will undermine Democracy in Nigeria.
The electoral umpire which is INEC, should be made to be more independent and INEC also should advance on the electronic voting system, as well as ensure that votes of electorates counts.
Political office holders elected to serve by bringing the dividence of Democracy to the people, should give qualitative representation and not engage in embezzlement of the nation's treasury. Furthermore,Democracy Day should not only be seen as a day of celebration but rather a day for a clarion call to all Nigerians to reflect on the gains of Democracy and so work towards achieving true Democracy in Nigeria, that will serve as model for other African countries to emulate.
Nigeria being referred to as the giant of Africa should demonstrate it by ensuring that Democracy strive and you and I have a duty to play.
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