AN EVALUATION OF THE DEMOCRATISATION PROCESS IN NIGERIA (1998 – 2006)

AN EVALUATION OF THE DEMOCRATISATION PROCESS IN NIGERIA (1998 – 2006)

Abstract:

The democratization process in Nigeria between 1998 to 2006, a period that forms an important scope of this study, had been nothing but actions and political behaviours of questionable legal grounds that proceeded into crisis, absurdity, unconstitutionality and which almost ended up in impasse, imbroglio and chaos. The clamping of State of Emergency in Plateau on May 18, 2004 and Ekiti state on October 19, 2006 clearly demonstrated the degenerated and deep level of socio-political and economic crises and corruption which were consequently informed not only by the structural dysfunctions but also by the role and behaviour of personalities or actors within the system and on whom the success of democracy critically depends. However, and based on the findings of this dissertation, the above scenario was informed by a number of factors notably the blatant abuse of Rule of Law and Constitutionalism most notably by the Presidency and the Houses of Assembly at both State and Federal levels, and which impacted on the credibility crisis on the leadership emanating from lack of accountability and economic extravaganza, the weakening of the Judicial system and the abuse of the due process of law, strenuous and unfortunate Executive – Legislature relations, series of unconstitutional impeachments of the executive. Furthermore, the abuse of the anti-corruption policy of the regime during the democratization process became prevalent especially through the activities of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission by the Presidency on political opponents. For example the Presidency used the EFCC to unseat Peter Ayo Fayose as governor of Ekiti State, and to attempt the impeachment of Joshua Dariye of Plateau State. The EFCC and ICPC became the tools of intimidation and blackmail of those that opposed the Presidency, for example the former governor of Kogi State Prince Abubakar Audu. Other issues that posed a threat to the process included the combatant relationship of accusations and counter accusations of corruption and abuse of office between the President and his Deputy which took unprecedented trend especially in 2006. This was not unconnected with the Vice-President’s opposition to the aborted unconstitutional third term agenda of the President. Finally, therefore, though the 1998-2006 democratization process under the Fourth Republic civilian regime was chaotic due to the anti-democratic political behaviour of the actor-stakeholders or personalities within the system and which have tended to presage serious threats to the process and to democracy which must be addressed in order to save the country from collapse, however incorporation of Nigerian traditional values of leadership and governance as found in the pre-colonial Sokoto Caliphate, the Ibo Society and the Old Oyo Empire into the tenets and principles of modern liberal democracy would help build durable democracy. The choice of leaders of credibility through free and fair elections by the masses, would also go a long way in the institutionalization and preservation of democracy in Nigeria.

AN EVALUATION OF THE DEMOCRATISATION PROCESS IN NIGERIA (1998 – 2006)

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