The most acceptable definition of Democracy was given by Abraham Lincoln - "... government of the people, by the people and for the people." Imo State governor went further by adding "with the people" to the existing three. Democracy is all about the people. It is even believed that the worst form of democracy is better that autocracy.
It has been 17 years of democracy in Nigeria. But the fruits of democracy have only been tasted during elections. When politicians are vying for positions, then the people are involved, consulted and are active participants. But after elections, the people are relegated. The only time democracy is practiced in Nigeria like it is in the United States is during elections.
When democracy is at its zenith during elections only, then it is one sided. A democracy that is all rounded all the time is the needed one. We need a scenario in which politicians see the electorate as being supreme, not only during elections but also post-elections era.
I look forward to a Nigeria where the power of recall is strongly alive. A Nigeria where impeachment is not a joke. A Nigeria where the fear of the electorates is the beginning of wisdom. A democracy that goes beyond elections.
Adding to the existing definition of democracy, it is a government of the people, by the people, for the people and with the people all the time.
Happy World Democracy Day.
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