In Nigeria’s history, democracy emerged not from the free will of its citizens, but from the crucible of dictatorship. Babatunde Fashola, former Lagos state governor and minister, made this assertion during a recent address at The Platform Nigeria, a program organized by the Lagos-based church, Covenant Nation, to commemorate Democracy Day in 2024.
Fashola’s words resonate with the paradoxical origins of Nigeria’s democratic journey. June 12, 1993, stands as a pivotal moment, a day when ordinary Nigerians defied default lines and divisions to cast their votes. Lives were lost, and the nation held its breath as the hope promised by that election hung in the balance. The late Moshood Abiola, a symbol of resilience and determination, kept the flame of June 12 alive, even when dictatorial forces sought to extinguish it.
Yet, Fashola reminds us that our democratic experience did not evolve from free will. Rather, it emerged from the crucible of dictatorship. The military, through Decree No. 25 of 1988 (later amended in 1999), set in motion the privatization and commercialization of businesses, a precursor to the free market. Surprisingly, this economic transformation, which we now associate with democratic ideals, had its roots in military governance.
As we celebrate 25 years of democracy, we must acknowledge this historical irony. Our journey toward a free market began under military rule, while the promise of democratic governance emerged from the sacrifices of ordinary Nigerians. The convergence of these seemingly disparate forces shaped the Nigeria we know today, a nation still grappling with economic challenges, yet resilient in its pursuit of progress.
Fashola’s words serve as a poignant reminder that our democracy, midwifed by dictatorship, carries within it the echoes of both struggle and hope. As we navigate the complexities of governance, let us honor the sacrifices of those who paid the price for June 12 and continue to work toward a more prosperous and equitable Nigeria.
