By Oluwaseyi Oduyela
It’s a well-known fact that Nigeria has faced persistent challenges since adopting its 1999 constitution, which critics often view as a byproduct of military influence. The credibility of elections within this democratic framework is frequently questioned, with allegations that selections take the place of genuine elections. While citizens participate in the voting process, there is widespread skepticism about whether their votes genuinely impact the outcomes.
The failure of political candidates to tackle the nation’s critical issues is glaring. Job creation and improved security, essential components of a functional state, remain conspicuously absent from campaign promises. For instance, during a debate, Tinubu, one of the political figures, refused to reveal his strategies, citing the risk of intellectual theft by rivals — a notion that sparked disbelief given the public nature of governance strategies.
Meanwhile, criminal activity, exemplified by the growing audacity of kidnappers, underscores the deficiencies in public safety measures. Despite technological advancements and the presence of multiple mobile service providers, these criminals operate with relative impunity, suggesting a failure in surveillance and tracking capabilities.
The National Assembly seems preoccupied with self-preservation, notably through the acquisition of bullet-proof vehicles, as opposed to investing in national security infrastructure. This attitude appears to be influenced by a transactional view of political office, where politicians perceive their election campaigns as investments needing recoupment rather than a commitment to public service.
Underlying these issues is the underfunding of intelligence agencies, a critical aspect of national security. Intriguing questions arise regarding the ease with which kidnappers obtain untraceable cell phones, despite the implementation of SIM card registration linked to personal biometrics. These unresolved enigmas cast doubt on the effectiveness of such regulatory measures and point to deeper systemic failures in the governance and security of Nigeria.
Recommendations:
1. Electoral Reforms: The Nigerian government could focus on enhancing the electoral process to ensure transparency and fairness. The use of technology could be implemented to track and tally votes more accurately and prevent the manipulation of the election process. An independent electoral commission with international observers might also lend credibility.
2. Constitutional Review: There is an urgent need for a comprehensive review of the 1999 constitution. A constitutional conference could be convened, involving a cross-section of society, to draft a document that better reflects democratic principles and the diverse interests of the Nigerian population.
3. Anti-corruption Measures: The government could strengthen its anti-corruption agencies by ensuring they are independent and properly funded. Implementing stringent punishment for political corruption might deter the purchase of votes and the practice of politicians recouping campaign expenses through misappropriation of funds.
4. Job Creation Strategies: The development and implementation of robust economic policies aimed at job creation should be a priority. The government could provide incentives for industries to thrive and support innovation and entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.
5. Security Overhaul: Investing in the security infrastructure is crucial. The government could modernize the intelligence community with cutting-edge technology for surveillance and tracking, enabling them to effectively combat kidnapping and other criminal activities.
6. Accountability for Security Spending: There must be transparent auditing of security-related expenditures. Resources should be directed toward functional initiatives rather than personal protections for the political class, such as bullet-proof vehicles.
7. Telecommunications Regulation: The government could work closely with cell phone service providers to ensure that there is a robust framework for tracking criminal activities. Greater regulatory oversight can help ensure that SIM registrations, including biometric data, are utilized effectively in crime prevention and detection.
8. Community Engagement: A bridge between government efforts and community needs in security matters might be established. Localized intelligence gathering and community policing initiatives can be of immense benefit.
9. Addressing Political Promises: Politicians should be held accountable for their electoral promises. There could be a mechanism for scrutinizing candidates’ proposals and tracking their fulfillment post-election.
10. Public Discourse and Debate: Encouraging open, public debates on policies and governmental plans promotes transparency and engagement. Political candidates should be expected to disclose and discuss their plans openly, preventing the silencing of proposals under the guise of protecting intellectual property.
Transformation in governance requires concerted effort from both the government and the citizenry. Efforts to reform and address these multitude of issues must be persistent, multifaceted, and backed by a genuine commitment to change.
Samuel Oluwaseyi Oduyela teaches Communication Studies at Blinn College, Bryan, Texas in the USA.
Oluwaseyi Oduyela resides in USA
