#DemocracyDay: Nigerians reflect on state of the nation after breaking free from military shackles
Today marks the celebration of another Democracy Day in Nigeria since former President Olusegun Obasanjo assumed office and effectively ended military rule in the country in 1999.
Since that transition from brutish military era, Nigeria has had four democratic presidents.
Today, President Buhari presides over the affairs of the nation, having won the election three years ago. Buhari, at the time, came with many promises, hopes, and expectations for Nigerians.
Not many have been satisfied with Buhari’s administration since, with even his staunchest supporters expressing skepticism over his method of governance.
In celebration of the day, Nigerians have expressed various emotions on the significance of democracy – its positives, shortcomings, and effects – on their daily lives.
One person was of the opinion that nothing has changed since Nigeria broke free from military shackles 19 years ago, saying “things are still the same”.
Another #DemocracyDay and things are still the same..
Light? E no dey!
Jobs? E no dey!
Good health care? E no dey!
Good roads? E no dey!
Infrastructures? E no dey!
Security nko? E no dey!
Corruption nko? E still dey!
Killings nko? E still dey!We just dey demó dey craze
— Mazi Olisaemeka ™ (@OlisaOsega) May 29, 2018
The security concerns in the country haven’t gone unmentioned, with killings in several parts of the countries still ongoing, even as the government claims victory over Boko Haram.
“We must immediately find solutions to the security issues and ensure that we return to the regime of peace, safety of lives and property in all parts of our country,” another person, Arafat Rogo, said.
Today, uppermost in the minds of Nigerians is the question of insecurity. We must immediately find solutions to the security issues and ensure that we return to the regime of peace, safety of lives and property in all parts of our country. #DemocracyDay
— Arafat Rogo (@ArafatRogo) May 29, 2018
Some Nigerians have already started looking ahead to the general elections in 2019, hoping to make their disapproval, or support, of the present administration known.
See more Democracy Day reactions:
Lord, help us to overcome the ethnic and religious prejudices that deeply divide our nation. Help us to agree on the vision of a developed Nigeria, and on the values and structures that will help us achieve the vision. Amen. Happy Democracy Day Nigeria! #DemocracyDay
— Sam Adeyemi (@sam_adeyemi) May 29, 2018
We are the weapons they will have in the next 365days. They will need us, they will want us, they will plead, try to confuse us to give them the power to destroy us. We can’t keep selling our power. We have the Voice, let’s use it. It’s our power. #thisisnigeria #DemocracyDay
— emily (@emily68901) May 29, 2018
Happy #DemocracyDay Nigeria.
Hope never solves anything, but action does. Let’s stop hoping and start acting.
— Emmanuel Chidiogo (@Empexy) May 29, 2018
This is how my country celebrate her #DemocracyDay ?
Doctors are on strike
Teachers are owed salaries
Massive Corruption
No Electricity
No Jobs
No infrastructures
Bad Economy
Extreme poverty
Failed Security SystemNigeria has never had it so bad @MBuhari have Failed WOEFULLY
— Uncle Ray (@Raynergy) May 29, 2018
President Buhari said power supply has improved.
Guess what, I live in the city, I do not have electricity to watch him speak.
I did not watch UCL final because there was no light, Infact I don’t buy perishable goods in bulk again because of light issue.
#DemocracyDay pic.twitter.com/SVzAb8vWf4— Kemi Ariyo (@d_problemsolver) May 29, 2018
Why y’all are celebrating #DemocracyDay, Nigeria Minister of Information Lai Mohammed and Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu just commissioned a borehole project in Kastina State.
19th year of democracy and this is what Buhari’s government refer to as achievement.
SMH. pic.twitter.com/AzDHqUgvfX
— Iyá Lájè Of Lagos (@newscantell) May 29, 2018
It’s interesting that after our 57 years of independence, the best #DemocracyDay gift you can give a Nigerian is Canadian visa.
— FAVOUR ONYEOZIRI (GCFR) (@Rouvafe) May 29, 2018
It is not democracy when politicians loot public resources with absolute impunity. #DemocracyDay
— Ibrahim Ahmed (@Ibraheemahmeed) May 29, 2018
#Democracyday: it is not worth celebrating. #Nigeria is not a democratic country; our president is still a dictator and the country is under oligarchic control. Top government officials don’t obey court orders, criminals walk freely, and today, #NigeriaMourns. #ThisisNigeria
— Sam Adegbola (@iamSammyfox) May 29, 2018
#DemocracyDay Our country is so corrupt, I can imagine the fear in the hearts of these politicians giving speeches today as they talk about rising up to fight for democracy. When the youths decide to start, they’d wish they never said it #democracyday!!!!
— Ibk♥✗ (@ibkopeke) May 29, 2018
Happy Democracy Day, Nigerians!
