Post by Samuel Olanipekun Ola (@sampekun50)

NigeriaTHE CRAWLING DEMOCRACY
In 1999, when Nigeria returned to civil rule after years of military dictatorship, many Nigerians were optimistic that within a decade our nation would stand shoulder to shoulder with developed democracies like America. President Olusegun Obasanjo was so confident of the future that he encouraged Nigerians in the diaspora to return home and contribute to nation-building.
Today, our democracy is 27 years old. The question is: how far have we gone?
When a six-year-old child is still crawling, parents become worried. Likewise, when a 27-year-old adult is still struggling to walk, society becomes concerned. Nigeria is not unfortunate to have democracy; we are unfortunate in our inability to get it right.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his Democracy Day speech, promised to strengthen democratic governance and improve the lives of Nigerians. We all hope that promise becomes reality. Perhaps history will judge him kindly if those promises materialize before the end of his tenure. But as things stand today, even with my glasses firmly on my eyes, I am yet to see the foundation upon which that reality is being built.
How can I see progress when local government chairmen receive unprecedented allocations yet many communities remain without good roads, potable water, functional healthcare centres, and quality schools? How can democracy flourish when public funds increase but public services do not? More importantly, why is nobody asking the hard questions?
Democracy is not measured by the number of years spent under civilian rule. It is measured by the quality of life of the people, the accountability of leaders, the strength of institutions, and the confidence citizens have in their future. Elections alone do not make a democracy successful; responsible leadership and active citizenship do.
As we celebrate another year of democratic rule, Nigerians must move beyond applause and demand results. Public office holders must understand that power is a trust, not a privilege. Until those entrusted with public resources are held accountable, our democracy may continue to crawl when it ought to be running.
The dream of 1999 is still alive, but dreams do not become reality through speeches alone. They become reality through transparency, accountability, and leadership that places the people above politics. The question before us today is simple: after 27 years, are we truly building a democracy, or are we merely marking anniversaries?

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