June 12: The Gains And The Shortfalls

General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida had inadvertently made June 12 a historic day Nigerians will never abort from their memory. It symbolizes oppression, injustice and tyranny against the masses. By the annulment of June 12, 1993 presidential election presumably won by late Chief Moshood Abiola, the military’s insistence to control political power was finally brought to an abrupt end albeit the presumed winner lost his life in the struggle to reclaim the mandate. In tribute, federal government has reserved June 12 annually as a Democracy Day with public holiday alongside other remarkable compliments.

Without a doubt, the country has not achieved much when measured by the number of years - 26. However, measuring from 1999 that the military men finally handed over, June 12 inadvertently drew a line between two distinct eras: dark ages and renaissance period. The latter is a democratic government through universal suffrage. The dividends of democracy are still not fully realized; nevertheless, there are green lights.

For example, the nation was democratically put back on track from 1999. The first civilian administration after the military

era which was led by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo recorded some progress by establishing essential government structures like the EFCC, ICPC and other agencies which are fundamental. They weren’t as effective as today but establishing them was a step in the right direction.

During this period, arbitrary power was at its peak, particularly against the opposition and perceived enemies; even elected state governors were not safe. Political ‘godfatherism’, imposition of candidates, fraudulent electoral system, random removal of elected governors and obtaining sham court injunctions even at midnight, swayed abundantly.

Thereafter, Goodluck Jonathan’s administration was ushered in after a brief stay in power by late Umaru Yar’Adua and through his government, a number of outstanding policies like the BVN, Treasury Single Account (TSA) and others were conceived albeit unimplemented. However, the squandering, looting and diversion of public funds that became the order of the day overshadowed the positive initiatives. Public funds were shared and diverted.

Then, from 2015 when President Muhammadu Buhari was first elected to date, through political will, these structures and policies on ground have been substantially activated and under implementation for service delivery. Similarly, most irregularities such as the notorious financial inducements at the National Assembly tagged ‘Ghanamust-go’ bags for performing legislative duties and many abnormalities listed above are now history. In particular, countless uncompleted projects scattered all over are receiving attention.

Remarkably, people are gradually beginning to have confidence in the judiciary which is fundamental in any thriving society. Similarly, people are beginning to live by their lawful means. It is no longer business as usual. Politicians masquerading as contractors no longer liaise with public office holders to sign and abandon government projects after mobilization. These are critically, systematic progress looking at the point where we began the journey.

Of course, it is undeniable that these reforms tightened the economy but gradually, it is bouncing back. Sanity is returning to the polity. Essentially, right to freedom of speech and expressions has since Goodluck Jonathan’s administration gathered momentum. Governors and oppositions have in many times rudely attacked the president, yet no arbitrary reactions.

Therefore, the nation has good reasons to celebrate these trajectories and progress despite insecurity and the fact that the masses in the streets have not been directly affected. With the structures being improved and continuously running expediently, jobs will be created and the economy will be stimulated for the common good.

But imperatively, government must invest more in education as nonchalant attitude to the sector some decades ago birthed the insecurity of the present times. The education system needs to be restructured to realistically meet the contemporary needs beyond mere certificate display syndrome.

The present system promotes and places certifications above skills acquisition, thereby making high number of graduates unproductive, redundant and unemployable. An education system where certification will accurately reflect degree of proficiency is a panacea to moving out of the quagmire.

A system where lecturers and students arbitrarily determine grades either by sexual harassments, financial inducements, intimidations or cultism can never give birth to positive outputs.