Ex-President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo reiterated his doubts regarding the applicability of the Western democratic framework in Africa, asserting that such models do not align with the continent’s ethos.
However, he faced criticism from Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, as well as former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku.
The conversation occurred during a colloquium convened to honor the 60th birthday of ex-Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honorable Emeka Ihedioha. This gathering was hosted at the Ladi Kwali Hall within the Abuja Intercontinental Hotel.
Chief Obasanjo contended that what is often called democracy mainly advantages a select few influential elites, thereby keeping most people on the periphery.
He stated: “Democracy was intended as a form of governance that serves all citizens, not merely a select group of individuals. However, where are we now? In my view, ever since we moved beyond Athenian democracy—where everyone had an equal voice and stake in decisions affecting them—the concept has evolved into representative democracy. Unfortunately, this new model hasn’t ensured equitable representation for every individual.”
Now, that kind of endurance isn’t what we’d call true democracy; thus, when discussing whether democracy can fail in Africa, one might say that African democracy has indeed faltered. But then, the question remains—why did it fail?
“It’s because it does not have any aspect of our culture, our way of life, what we stand for, what we believe: what sort of democracy brings you and you grab everything illegally, corruptly, and you say go to court? Even in the court, you cannot get justice.”
He advocated for a framework that would “incorporate Africa’s cultural and historical background to develop a governing system that genuinely benefits everyone.”
“It is, ‘I am because I can grab’ but what sort of democracy brings you and you grab everything and then illegally, corruptly and you say ‘go to court’ when you know that even in the court, you cannot get justice.
It’s not that democracy is failing; rather, it is fading away. If we want to prevent democracy from disappearing, we must consider it within the specific context and circumstances of Africa. I am hopeful that we can reach this point where the kind of democracy that brings tangible benefits will thrive here on our continent.
However, Kukah opposed this view, asserting that “democracy is an ongoing process; it provides you with the chance to attempt and, even if you falter, grants you a better opportunity to rectify past errors.”
Kukah additionally contended that democracy offers the chance to correct errors from previous times.
Democracy serves the welfare of the populace because it has dismantled the feudal form of governance.
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto highlighted the importance of everyone striving to comprehend the political ideology of British philosopher John Locke, which is based on the concept of social contract.
The former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Senator, Aminu Tambuwal, stated that democracy is not faltering in Africa since it represents an evolving system.
When we adhere to the guidelines, democracy functions effectively; democracy is an ongoing endeavor.
Regarding the Senate resolution concerning the state of emergency in Rivers State, Senator Tambuwal reaffirmed his stance that the necessary two-thirds majority support from the Senate had not been achieved.
During President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure, when a state of emergency was imposed in certain states, the National Assembly validated these actions through the requisite two-thirds majority vote. Each member individually cast their ballot to endorse this measure.
The ex-Secretary General of the Commonwealth sounded an alert about the revival of military takeovers in Africa, emphasizing that this trend ought to concern everyone who backs democratic values.
The former Vice President Atiku characterized the honoree, Honorable Ihedioha, as a politician who is both concentrated and resolute.
Emeka and I have maintained this relationship, and up until now, he has proven to be exceptionally loyal, committed, and driven. Even though we occasionally found ourselves on opposing sides politically, we managed to sustain our connection, which speaks volumes about what kind of individual Emeka truly is.
When he informed me about this event, I nearly complained, saying ‘Emeka, it’s Ramadan, and these are the final ten nights when we typically stay awake at night instead of sleeping; we nap during the day.’ But he responded, ‘Boss, please try your best to attend,’ so I agreed, ‘Alright, I’ll manage it.’ And here we are now.
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