THE CONDITIONS FOR DEMOCRATIZATION AND THE DECLARATION OF JUNE 12 DEMOCRACY DAY IN NIGERIA: CONVERGENCE AND DIVERGENCE

Abstract

This paper interrogates the rationale behind the declaration of June 12 as
democracy day in Nigeria. It is on record that the regimented and
autocratic governance process handed over to Nigeria by the colonial
lords has not been broken even at independence. This oppressive colonial
template was utilized adequately by the Nigeria military institution. This is
what account significantly for their dominance in the Political history of
Nigeria which subsequently weakened state institutions and other
necessary conditions for democratization. Eventually with the restoration
of democracy in Nigeria in 1999, those entrusted with public fund abused
the trust which largely affected democratic consolidation. It is in this
regard that this paper raised some fundamental questions as whether
Nigeria has met the conditions for democratization leading to the
declaration of June 12 democracy day. Using secondary sources, the
findings revealed weak state institutions, massive official corruption, and
inefficiency in governance, budget padding and uncommitted elites to
democratic principles. The paper therefore suggested among others that
democracy day be expunged from the internal affairs of Nigeria. The
mantle of leadership at all levels of governance should be exchanged
unceremoniously within the office accommodation designated for the
responsibility for which the mantle is been exchanged.