Why we must protect this democracy

The term “Democracy” has been variously described by different scholars, but one definition that appears to be most popular is that offered by Abraham Lincoln, the charismatic 16th President of the United States of America. Lincoln saw democracy as government of the people, by the people and for the people. This definition underscores the fact that democracy is a form of government founded on the people’s will. The people determine who gets what, when and how. It implies recognising people as the source of political power and authority. The will of the people is usually expressed by way of election.

It is therefore important that all necessary elements must exist for democracy to thrive. These include a general acceptance of electoral and political party arrangements within which diverse groups’ interest are represented. The institutional manifestations of this concept include representative bodies such as the parliament, elected executive and a virile judiciary. It should however, be noted here that rule of law and democracy are like two sides of a coin. Rule of law is a concept that stresses supremacy and equality before the law and fundamental human rights.

For our democracy to survive, Nigerians must begin to see public offices as a call to serve. The cost of running government and emoluments should also be reduced, thus, making the offices less attractive. The redemption of the image of the country should also be given utmost priority while the activities of the Boko Haram sect, kidnappers and vandals are to be utterly discouraged by enforcing capital punishments on culprits. It is noteworthy that the Senate recently passed a bill ranging from death sentence, life imprisonment, confiscation of properties on whoever participates directly or indirectly in kidnapping, however, the lawmakers too should purge themselves of lifestyles that are not in tandem with the present socio-economic realities.