By tf-lawyer.com **The Advocate: A Critical Reflection on Nigeria at 64**
**By Onikepo Braithwaite**
**Email: [email protected]**
As Nigeria commemorates its 64th Independence Day, the mood feels muted, almost resembling a hollow slogan rather than a genuine celebration. After over sixty years of self-governance, it’s challenging to pinpoint reasons for optimism. The unfortunate truth is that independence appears to have ushered in decline rather than advancement. Some voices are even suggesting that remaining a British colony might have been a better option. The losses incurred by Nigeria at the hands of its own leaders seem to overshadow any benefits that colonial rule may have provided. The infrastructure and institutional legacy left by our colonial rulers could have laid the groundwork for a more prosperous Nigeria.
So, what is truly worthy of celebration today? Our Founding Fathers—figures such as Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Sir Ahmadu Bello—would likely be turning in their graves at the state Nigeria finds itself in today, marked by insecurity, fragile institutions, and rampant corruption. The nation feels precarious, teetering on the edge of failure due to ongoing poor governance. This observation is not an attempt to vilify Nigeria; it’s simply the stark reality.
Moreover, it’s worth asking why retired generals are gathering to critique civilian leaders. Aren’t they aware of their own contributions to Nigeria’s troubling trajectory? President Tinubu took office amid a national crisis, inheriting what was labeled the “poverty capital of the world” under Buhari’s administration. The hopeful messages promised in slogans like ‘Change’ and ‘Next Level’ seem only to have led to heightened suffering. Many Nigerians are now apprehensive that President Tinubu might turn his commitment to ‘Renewed Hope’ into yet another cycle of despair. Reflecting on our independence, comparing our situation with countries like South Korea, China, and Singapore reveals a disheartening truth—Nigeria has yet to fulfill its promise, yet there’s still hope if we can find our way back to a more productive course.
Following our struggle for independence, we sought democracy, but what have we truly gained? It seems we’ve merely swapped one form of oppression for another. Our brief taste of democracy gave way to a lengthy period of military rule, culminating in a system where oligarchs manipulate political processes to their own advantage, obstructing genuine democratic governance. Traditional institutions have been compromised, infiltrated by unworthy individuals rather than being upheld as ethical entities.
**How Can Nigeria Break Free? The Role of INEC**
Legally, the key challenge lies in breaking free from this cycle through constitutional means. We must press all three branches of government to effectively perform their constitutional duties. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) plays a crucial role in this, tasked with conducting credible and independent elections free from external influences. However, INEC has faced persistent issues; even former President Umaru Yar’Adua acknowledged the flaws in the elections that brought him to power in 2007, underscoring the urgent need for electoral reform.
The recent Edo gubernatorial election serves as a case in point, as ongoing criticisms of INEC’s performance highlight issues such as allegations of overvoting and lack of transparency in the collation process. Legal provisions intended to ensure fair voting appear to have been disregarded, undermining the integrity of the electoral process. If INEC cannot guarantee free and fair elections, escaping our current predicament will be nearly impossible.
**Legislature: Upholding Governance Standards**
It’s time for the Legislature to place the good governance of Nigeria above self-serving legislation. Laws like Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act allow unqualified candidates to run for office by limiting challenges to their qualifications to fellow party members, creating a conflict of interest that stifles accountability and progress. By re-evaluating such provisions, the Legislature can help reduce incompetence in political roles.
**The Judiciary’s Crucial Role**
Finally, the judiciary is vital in protecting citizens’ rights and upholding the rule of law. With the recent confirmation of Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun as Nigeria’s 19th Chief Justice, there is hope for renewed focus on justice. The judiciary must earnestly adjudicate electoral and criminal disputes, ensuring that these issues are addressed correctly to prevent it from becoming a playground for corrupt politicians seeking to manipulate outcomes.
In conclusion, as we welcome the new Chief Justice, there is a collective hope for a revival of accountability and integrity within the judiciary. If we can cultivate an environment where justice prevails and proper governance becomes the norm, we may find a way to liberate Nigeria from its ongoing political stranglehold.
