Socialist Nigeria: Democracy Is Just Not Working
Government of the nations across the world have devoted enough discussions and resources to the promotion of democracy as the best system of government. It is true that the origin of democracy from Greece Athens was perceived to have suited the Greek people and created an atmosphere where the citizens felt inclusive in the decision making process.
Democracy itself is defined as the government majority. The choice of the highest number of people is made to prevail as the decision taken on behalf of the generality of the people. In modern times, democracy is seen as the government of the people, by the people and for the people. Most nations in Europe and Americas practice democracy.
Most democratic states are capitalist in nature, individuals and the state own the means of production, distribution and exchange. In this kind of society, there is a social stratification that result into class. The elites, the middle class and the poor.
In my country Nigeria, democracy was considered the best kind of government when compared to military rule which has done more harm than good to the nation. We were glad in the year 1999 when there was a transition from military government to civilian rule but the joy of transiting into democracy became sour.
The dividends of democracy seem far from the people. In my study of what democracy should be, the people are supposed to witness growth in road construction, education, electricity, health care, security of lives and property and other essential services. These expectations have been bewildered by dedicated carelessness, abandonment and nonchalant attitude by politicians. Instead, we have recorded high level corruption and embezzlement of public funds and so many wrong decisions taken against the people.
Nigeria's democracy is not a true reflection of the kind of democracy practiced in Athens, Greece. For instance, the people's choice during election does not result from the thoughts and actions of the people. It looks more like the whole process of electing public office holders have been purchased by the highest bidders. The essence of democracy is to allow people choose their own representatives but that objective have been violated in the Nigerian scene.
Socialism Is Most Preferable For Nigeria
Socialism is the economic and political system in which the means of the production, distribution and exchange is in the hand of the state. In this system, the class system is not in existence and no one is allowed to own properties or amass wealth.
I would recommended this economic and political system for Nigeria because I think the politicians have much respect for money than humans. Whereas, in a socialist state, all treasure is kept in the custody of the state.
In a socialist state, the government is responsible for all essential services like education, health care, road, electricity and even feeding of the citizens but the citizens in return give their expertise to the government.
One very feature of socialist state that speaks volumes is that money is useless. In the socialist soviets republics (USSR), money was so useless that it was referred to as coloured paper. And truck full of money could only buy a loaf of bread.
Also, the socialist state does not encourage a class society. Hence, everyone is equal in status unlike the democratic states that practices capitalism and creates a society where there is class of people from the elites, middle class and the peasants.
The slogan:
The rich, getting richer; the poor, getting poorer.
Is a slogan of the capitalist and democratic state but in a socialist state, everyone is equal in social status and the national wealth is redistributed equally.
It seems you are frustrated with democracy in Nigeria, I believe that with time, education and access to information things can improve!
!BBH
!PIZZA
Nigeria's kind of democracy is a pain in the neck. The rule of law is used against the law and the weak are not protected.
$PIZZA slices delivered:
@crazyphantombr(1/15) tipped @mrenglish
Come get MOONed!
So that's how it is with socialism, I hope things can improve.
The drive for wealth is not with socialism. I feel is that clause is removed from our system, there will be a lot of calm and rush. The push for individual wealth is the cause of the problem with our democracy.
God help my country, our leaders are the problem. This system is what other countries are using and is working well for them, but for my country is a No.
It has gotten so bad, so rotten and so disgusting that the hopelessness just went to another level.
Very succinctly put. I'm afraid democracy isn't working terribly well here in South Africa either. With is flagship of the notion of freedom and individual rights and respect, it has taken hold of our country for over 30 years. The result, I am afraid, is that the poverty gap has simply widened, with the poor becoming poorer an the rich, richer and corruption running rife. Although I do not wish to see us take a sharp turn left to communism, I can definitely see how socialism would positively benefit us in the long run.
My POV, exactly.
The African native concept sees government as a means to better one's lot, hence, democracy has issued that opportunity to politicians by playing on the intelligence of the electorates.
This is why the elites are seen as the enemy of the state.
However, we must note that communism is just another type of socialism, a system where there is no class or pursuit of personal wealth.
This could better the lot of an average African.
A caution though, it seems to be inherited human nature to hoard wealth and power. Hence the spread of capitalism, but I find the road to the far right or the far left is just a circle, landing us in in the same position, where the general public do not benefit from the politics of the state, regardless of what they represent.
Human nature can be better if individuals prioritize empathy over greed. Our greed as individuals has made the world become tougher than it should be.
It is now seen a no friend, no foe, while the suspicion of every other person has taken a huge portion of our thoughts, daily.
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In a strange kind of way, it cheers me up to know it's not just here in the UK that democracy isn't working. I've always though that democracy is great as a system of government if you can take the moneyed interests out of it, and at a local level. Basically, if you can fit everyone involved into a single meeting place it's great, but above that it becomes too open to corruption and factional groups.
But I'm not a fan of socialism, either. I've seen what happens when the state runs everything. It becomes very inefficient very fast because there's no competition, and it puts too much power into the hands of unaccountable petty bureaucrats. With no class system and potentially equal wages, there is no incentive for people to better themselves; why be a brain surgeon when you can be a street sweeper on the same pay ?
Crazily enough (and I know it's not a popular opinion !), I think the best form of government may be a hereditary monarchy. You get someone in charge who has been trained from birth to do the job, and has nowhere further up the career ladder to want to climb to. They don't have to worry about being re-elected every few years, so you can get long term stable policies. As long as there is a clear rule of succession it reduces opportunities for a military coup. You still need processes in place to minimise corruption and influence, but every system needs that.
The Nigeria's case look similar that UK's but the thing here is that our country is too wealthy to have poor people this is why I advocated for a system where everyone is equal.
Socialism, like you said isn't the best for government but it looks more like a way out of the mess we have found ourselves.