GUEST COLUMN: The Meaning of Democracy And The Other Side Of The Issue
By
Abbati Bako
AREWA AGENDA – Participation of all citizens in the running of the affairs of the nation and systemic adaptation by the leaders and the led. This is the reason why Democratic system is described as a “Representatives Democracy”. Citizen is the most important component of Democratic practice; being politics is a game of the people, for the people and by the people anywhere in the world.
The person you elected must work hard to represent your voice, give you the opportunities you need, ensure your security, safety, values, welfare, as a citizen and protect your interest and ambition you desired.
The safety of a citizen anywhere in the country (and beyond) is paramount. Freedom of speech, assembly, equity, fairness and justice before the law must be assured. And above all; the freedom of want. Without freedom of want the citizens will lose confidence in the system.
The Other Side Of The Issue
The Global Rise Of Political Populism: Will Nigeria Be Affected In 2023?
According to the common English dictionary of contemporary English, POPULISM means “a political doctrine or philosophy that proposes that the rights and powers of ordinary people are exploited by a privileged elite, and supports their struggle to overcome. Or the practice of appealing to the interest of the common people”. Most of Nigerians are not aware of political populism. But it has been in existence in many European countries and Asian Continent of the world.
Globally speaking, politicians are becoming a target for anger. This is due to the fact that people are not satisfied (globally—even in advanced economies) with the performance of global politicians (political establishment).
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Politics (governance) is as old as man. Unlike other creatures man must have a leadership to govern societies. Leadership must create states, laws, rules and principles to govern societies. The laws are imperative to protect societal values, interest and ambition. In reality, politicians must work hard to ensure the realization of all said above. Otherwise, the citizens will be fed up with the Democratic system in any part of the world.
Democracy And The Rise of Populism in Europe, Americas, Asia and Africa—An Analysis of The Situation
The emergence of Donald Trump as the President of the United States between 2016 to 2020 (and global leader with the policy of “America first” and abandoning the globalization policy and new alliance or cold war with the Russia?) of America, the Brexit, the resignation of former S/Korean president, the exit of Yahya Jammeh of Gambia some years ago, the possible changes in the elections in Germany, Italy and France are (all) as a result of populism rise against political establishment worldwide. This has been as a result of global stagflation of which if care is not taken Democratic system will move into eclipse in the next years to come.
Has the root cause been due to global economic mismanagement? The sign of failure from the side of global political and economic establishment? Or the sign of vanishing of global political parties (neon-liberal economic and political policy) and emergence of NGOs and private sectors to rule the nations of the world democratically? Well time will tell!
Nigerians: what are your views so far on the practicality of democratic system in our nation for the past 24 years? Are we on the way to promised land? As a Nigerian what has been the stand of your economy for the past 24 years?
Dr. Abbati Bako, Political Strategy And Communication Consultant and Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State on Public Affairs
