Get Guardian on GoogleA retired professor of English at the University of Benin, Prof. Tony Afejuku, has described Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration as hollow, declaring that there is nothing worth celebrating in the country’s democratic experience.
Speaking in Asaba, Afejuku accused the political elite of hijacking the democratic system for their selfish interests, leaving the masses behind.
“What we have is big stomach democracy — a compromised democracy that is not really democracy,” he said.
“Money, positions, and personal interests dominate the political landscape, while the interest of the people is neither guaranteed nor promoted.”
The professor further lamented the erosion of integrity among civil society groups, claiming that even some activists have abandoned their ideals.
“Nothing is working. Let nobody deceive you. If anyone says something is working, he is lying. Even the so-called activists have been compromised,” he added.
However, the Chief Press Secretary to the Delta State Governor, Festus Ekpen Ahon, offered a contrasting view, describing June 12 as a “unique and symbolic” date in Nigeria’s political history.
According to Ahon, “It is worth celebrating because it marks a time when Nigerians came together and participated in a free and credible election, even though it was annulled by one man.”
He emphasized that June 12 represents the nation’s enduring commitment to democracy, despite its imperfections.
“As a country, we have taken a step forward. There is room for improvement in infrastructure and human capital development, but we are not where we used to be,” Ahon said.
