By Olayinka Iroye
As we mark June 12 Democracy Day, I wish to congratulate all Nigerians on this significant occasion. It marks not only the memory of the historic 1993 election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in our history, but also 26 uninterrupted years of democracy in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. This endurance is both symbolic and instructive, it reflects the Nigerian people’s unwavering belief in the power of civil governance.
Initially, I had resolved not to comment on the state of the nation today. However, after watching various commemorative programmes on television, including a thoughtful panel with Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Babatunde Raji Fashola, Professor Attahiru Jega and others, I reconsidered. Their analysis of our democracy’s challenges and opportunities was deeply engaging. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s address to the National Assembly, though I could not watch it in full, also stirred a renewed reflection.
What ultimately spurred this piece was a moment of symbolic irony. While watching Journalists’ Hangout on TVC, the power supply in my area, part of the Industrial zone in Offa, including Ijagbo, went off. It was a powerful reminder that despite decades of democracy, Nigerians still contend with some of the same fundamental issues: inconsistent electricity, inflation, unemployment, and poverty.
I had hoped that in honour of June 12, power distribution companies still affectionately called ‘NEPA’ by many would grant citizens at least a few uninterrupted hours of electricity. But alas, the erratic ‘dákù-dàjì’ pattern continues.
This got me thinking of President Tinubu’s now-famous mantra, “È fókan bálẹ̀”, “calm your mind.” It’s meant to assured Nigerians that he understands their pain and that relief is coming. But on this Democracy Day, he didn’t say it. And I couldn’t help but ask: Is the President still feeling our pain?
I am a long-time supporter of the President, even though I belong to no political party. I’ve defended his leadership choices, believing in his leadership capacity and renew hope agenda to lead Nigeria into a better future. But support does not mean silence. In a democracy, it is our duty to speak truth to power. And the truth is that Nigerian people are suffering deeply.
The decision to remove fuel subsidy, while theoretically sound and supported by many experts, has had devastating consequences for the average citizen. Instead of channeling the savings into meaningful improvements for the masses, the burden appears to have shifted from the government to the people. In practice, subsidy was removed from the poor only to be redirected into the hands of the rich.
There is a widening gulf between the political class and the populace. While Nigerians are tightening their belts amid over 33.95% inflation and soaring food prices (above 40%), our political leaders continue to live lavishly, convoys of luxury SUVs, expensive foreign trips, and multiple allowances that stand in stark contrast to the President’s call for austerity. The Bank PHB commercial once said, “One day, cars will run on water.” But today, it feels like our leaders believe their SUVs already do.
The states are not exemption. With increased monthly allocations; a result of subsidy removal and exchange rate reforms, Governors are awash with funds, yet many treat public resources like personal fortunes. The results on ground do not reflect the revenues received.
To be clear, some efforts have been made. Today, the President rightly honoured the heroes of June 12, those who fought for the democracy we now enjoy. But if we truly want to honour that legacy, we must extend that recognition to the masses who bear the weight of this democracy daily.
Democracy must deliver. Not just freedom of speech or periodic elections, but improved lives.
To reduce the suffering of Nigerians, several urgent interventions are required: serious investment in electricity infrastructure, reform of social welfare systems, practical support for farmers and local manufacturers, revival of modular refineries to ensure local fuel production, and enforcement of transparency in how federal allocations are spent across the states. The Federal and State governments must show citizens, not just tell them that they understand their pain.
The President’s message of “È fókan bálẹ̀” must become more than a catchphrase. It must translate into action, relief, and hope. Nigerians are resilient, but resilience must not be mistaken for contentment.
On this June 12, let our celebration go beyond ceremony. Let it spark real change.
May democracy not fail again in Nigeri
