As Nigeria marks it’s 25 years of democratic dispensation, Chief Sam Anokam has expressed dissatisfaction over the current state of the Nation, calling on the Federal government to immediately declare a State of emergency in the economic sector and slash salaries of legislatures both at the upper and lower chamber by 50%.
In a media chat with journalists in Owerri recently, the Estate Surveyor and an Advocate for Good Governance, Chief Anokam disclosed that “Democracy” which is the Government of the people, by the people and for the people is not being replicated in the country. He added that Nigeria Democracy is not for the people rather the elites who were able to capture power and use it for their own interest. Noting that if we have a full-grown democracy, it should start from the grassroots.
According to him, ” It is a pathetic situation that as we mark our 25 years of democracy, there is nothing to show in the development of all sectors of the economy . If we have a retrospect on our democracy, we all can attest to the fact that we have not had a good governance that is essential for survival. A good government will make security of the lives of it’s citizens and properties their top-most priority. In Nigeria today, there is no food security, no Infrastructural development. Just take a look at Ihiagwa where I come from, the road that is 25 kilometers radius from Owerri Capital Territory is not passable. If we had good governance for 25 years, i do not see why we will not have these access roads and internal roads tarred.
As I speak to you, health sector is in shamble, people now travel oversees for their medical services, what now becomes of the poor that cannot afford to travel outside? Is it the increasing unemployment rate in the country, where a PHD holder is ridding Okaka along the streets? The Educational system also has remained a total failure in Nigeria. The democracy we thought-out in this country is an assumed one and not aimed at ensuring that people of the nation enjoy the dividends of democracy”.
Continuing, he maintained that our democratic system has to be looked into by our representatives from the state Assembly and that of the National, as it is their role to carry the burden of the people and present it to the house with the aim of cushioning the effects of hardship, protecting their constituents as well as bringing good governance to the nook and cranny of the country.
“In today’s economy, there is need to declare a state of emergency and reduce the salaries of members of the National Assembly and state executives by 50% and use it to address our problems if it is the way forward to reducing poverty. But I think we have lot of resources that are not well managed. The truth is that corruption has become an epidemic in the society. Everyone wants to grab as much as he/she can and keep for his family. Today, June 12, 2024, There is absolutely nothing to celebrate, rather it is a day that calls for a sober reflection for all to have a rethink and fashion out a way forward. 25 years of Democracy is a good time to have a plan for the future because if we continue with this trend, we might be looking for another country to take over and manage us”.
“Our system of governance needs to be restructured inorder to make it a government for the people. It is high time Nigerians wake up and speak with one voice on how we want to be governed. There should be speration of power amongst the 3- tiers of government. The legislature and Judiciary must be independent and not work for the executives as seen in the country today. Nigeria should stand properly under the principles of speration of power with each, having their independence in order not to create a situation of anarchy. The government must do everything possible to practice the true definition of democracy”.
” The Nigeria Democracy is politicized. Infact the Military regime gave us a more stable governance than even the democracy dispensation, but I prefer the civilian administration. There should be a regional System of government which I think is the best for our dear nation Nigeria as it will bring out the best in all the regions and make them competitive. It will also help to calm the agitations of marginalization and ensure stability in all regions.”
Answering questions filed by journalists, the Good Governance Boss expressed support for the proposed tenure extension for government officials. The proposal, currently under discussion in the National Assembly, suggests extending the tenure from four to five or Six years. He highlighted the potential benefits of a longer term in office, such as increased stability and continuity in government projects and policies. He further emphasized that the five-year tenure could lead to more substantial progress in governance and development.
“A longer tenure allows for more comprehensive planning and implementation of policies. It provides a better timeframe for achieving significant milestones and delivering on promises made to the electorate. What we see today is that politicians use the 1st tenure of 4 years to prepare themselves for another 4 years. If the idea of 5 years tenure is put in place, it will enable them to remain focused, bearing in mind that they can be voted out during this period if they did not perform well”.
He further urged the media to take an active role in addressing the shortcomings of the country’s democratic system. He emphasized that the press, as the voice of the people, holds a crucial responsibility in highlighting and condemning the various ills that undermine the democratic process. “It is imperative that the press remains vigilant and vocal against corruption, injustice, and any form of malpractice that threatens our democracy,” he asserted.
