We have widened, deepened and strengthened democracy. But democracy is not a destination. It is a journey. We must remain firmly committed and undivertedly on the journey,Obasanjo in a farewell address to Nigeria on May 29, 1999.PRESIDENT Barrack Obama, last Monday, concluded a state visit to Brazil. The visit generated wide and diverse global interest, as President Dilma Rousseff assumed office only on January 1, this year. Both leaders knew the global focus on Brazil during the visit and as such underscored its relevance in their speeches. Obama was more poignant in his comments on the significance of the visit in view of developments in other parts of the world, particularly in Africa.Dilma Rousseff made history when she became Brazils first female president to succeed Luis Inacio Lula da Silva. She garnered 56 per cent of votes to defeat José Serra, the former governor of São Paulo. Obama subtly applauded her triumph at the poll. To him, Brazil, the seventh largest economy, has become a model of democracy.His remarks were instructive to us in Nigeria, giving the public enthusiasm in the US president paying a similar visit to Nigeria, which is one of its largest trade partners in Africa. As he prepared to jet to Latin America, there were reports that Washington had given Nigeria pre-conditions for the US presidents visit to Nigeria. One of them is demonstrable evidence that Nigerias democracy was not under threat, real or imagined. This is a veiled reference to resurgence of violence, especially as the country prepares for another decisive step at strengthening democracy.On the eve of his exit from power, Obasanjo was excited about the modest achievement his administration recorded under his eight-year rule. He was particularly elated that there was a smooth transfer of power from him to late President Umaru YarAdua. Obasanjos joy stemmed from the fact that Nigeria had, had troubled times achieving such feat, thus the long period of military interregnum during which sovereignty became the preserve of a small clique of dictators instead of the Nigerian people. The former leader was not under illusion that the variant of democracy he was leaving behind had gained a firm footing. His advice was that we needed to build collectively on the foundation laid by him, notwithstanding the bitter acrimony engendered by the flawed 2007 elections.Almost four years down the lane, things appear as if we are starting a fresh a true transition. Many issues remain that trailed the Obasanjo era have become sore points in the polity. We have not actually been able to build an institution. Yet, our country has its own share of the global indices of poverty. A lot of our countrymen are among the more than three billion people believed to live on less than $2.50 a day. Experts say the Gross Domestic Product [GDP] of the 41 heavily indebted poor countries, with a total 567 million human population is less than the wealth of the worlds seven richest people put together. We are confronted with poor literacy level, as reports claim that almost a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names, yet some experts say less than one per cent of what the world spent every year on weapons could have ensured that every child was in school by the year 2000, that is 11 years ago. Most frightening is the claim that one billion children live in poverty, that is, one in every two children in the world. Available statistics from experts also indicated that about 640 million live without adequate shelter; 400 million without access to safe water; 270 million have no access to health services, while it was reported that about 10.6 million children died in 2003 before they attained five years, which was an average of 29,000 children per day.This is the time for us to fully appreciate the significance of a message by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Sir Bob Dewar, not long ago. He dwelt extensively on the enormous resources of the country and affirmed that given the right leadership, Nigeria could be on the march to greatness. He said, With the necessary leadership and determination in the context of peace, Nigeria can be and will be the beacon for Africa, but with a caveat that Nigeria must have leaders capable of implementing the right policy. It was against this background that he said the coming election was a golden chance for the country to chart the right beginning.It is important that Nigeria seizes every opportunity to fix its leadership problems.It will require a lot of hard work and commitment by everyone, especially the political leaders, to seize opportunities and not let opportunities pass us by.To what extent are we on course towards utilising the current opportunity, which the 2011 elections provide, so that Nigeria, like Brazil, could become another model for democracy in Africa nay the world In the first instance, how have we been able to deepen democracy in Nigeria in the last 12 years What is the degree of maturity and dedication of the key members of the political class demonstrated by entrenching democracy and not establishing political dynasties and empires Are the conducts of the main political gladiators in conformity with the values and standards of democracy If they claim to have entrenched democracy values, it must be according to their dictates and interpretation of what democracy is all about. Is democracy about the subversion of the popular will of the people during party primaries That cannot be so. While the nation is still battling with insecurity arising from the criminal activities of a few bad eggs in the society, the political campaigns and rallies have become veritable ground for avoidable killings.With a few days to the commencement of the elections, the frontline presidential candidates have a lot of work to do. They must show that the country is greater than their individual ambition by prevailing on those around them to tread softly, who right now are weeping more than the bereaved. Their activities, utterances and comments have contributed in heightening tension and anxiety among the larger populace, hence the rising wave of physical assault and wanton destruction of property in the name of politics, while the core issues of development such as poverty, unemployment and energy crisis stare us in the face.One thing the various political debates, campaigns and rallies have brought forth is the fact that the multi-faceted problems facing Nigeria require a pragmatic approach. We do not need an orator but require a leader with maximum sense of responsibility, maturity and integrity, who understands the system to take charge, come May 29 this year. Such personality must be a prudent manager of resources, who has seen it all. A vote for any of the candidates, who is surrounded by politicians, who many have come to regard as wolves because of their antecedents in the last 12 years, could amount to consigning the country to another imperial regime. As we begin the final countdown to 2011 polls, President Goodluck Jonathan, General Muhammadu Buhari , Mallam Ibrahim Shakarau, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and other contenders for the presidency should know that the elections shall be a watershed in the history of the country. The elections should not constitute another missed opportunity for the country, which the 2007 symbolised and we have continued to pay the price.The candidates and indeed Nigerians must go into the election based on what Obama told Brazilians during his state visit: For so long, you were called a country of the future, told to wait for a better day that was always just around the corner. Meus amigos, that day has finally come. And this is a country of the future no more. The people of Brazil should know the future has arrived. It is here now.Oderemi, 08023501874 (SMS only).
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