Sylvester Odion-Akhaine critiques Nigeria’s democracy for stagnating in comparison to Ghana’s significant advancements in electoral processes and institutional strength. He identifies four major issues: rigged elections, human rights violations, ethnic polarization, and economic mismanagement that impede Nigeria’s political evolution. His analysis suggests a deep-seated need for reform to enhance the democratic landscape in Nigeria.
Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, a distinguished Professor of Political Science and Human Rights Activist, asserts that Nigeria’s democracy is stagnating compared to Ghana’s. He emphasizes that Ghana has made significant strides in institutional building, resulting in improvements in its electoral processes. In contrast, Nigeria’s democracy has only improved superficially, lacking the depth seen in Ghana.
Odion-Akhaine highlights the strength of Ghana’s Electoral Commission, Judiciary, and Security Agencies, which have demonstrated professionalism and impartiality in electoral matters. He made these observations during his 103rd Inaugural Lecture at Lagos State University, titled “Shifting For Good: The Weapon Of Empiricism In The Disorder Of A Third Wave Of Democracy In Africa.”
He pointed out that Ghana has successfully experienced democratic transitions, with power changing hands among the leading political parties in four election cycles since 2000. Conversely, Nigeria has only transferred power once since 2015, indicating a lack of political evolution. He identifies four key pathologies contributing to Nigeria’s democratic stagnation.
Firstly, Odion-Akhaine mentions the prevalence of rigged elections in Nigeria since 1999, undermining democratic principles of consent. He recalls that Nigeria fell below the standard set by the Commonwealth Observers during the 2007 elections. Moreover, politically motivated killings have further marred Nigeria’s political landscape.
Secondly, he notes the continuous human rights violations that have characterized each administration since 1999, citing specific atrocities such as the Odi and Zaki Biam massacres, along with ongoing issues like the Boko Haram insurgency. Additionally, he examines how ethnicity continues to shape voting behavior in Nigeria.
He further critiques the mismanagement of public funds, indicating that the Nigerian economy is described as non-productive, feeding a system of political exploitation. Odion-Akhaine states that a disproportionately high percentage of national income is consumed by recurrent expenditures rather than capital investments, highlighting the detrimental effects of corruption on the economy.
In summary, Sylvester Odion-Akhaine critiques Nigeria’s stagnating democracy compared to Ghana’s advancements in institutional integrity and electoral fairness. He emphasizes the critical issues of election rigging, human rights violations, ethnic divisions, and economic mismanagement as fundamental barriers to Nigeria’s democratic progress. Addressing these challenges remains imperative for the country’s future stability and growth.
Original Source: businessday.ng
