Lilian Orogbu, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Akwa North/Awka South federal constituency of Anambra, has voiced her disappointment over Nigeria’s 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, stating that there is little to celebrate.
During a session on Wednesday in the green chamber, Orogbu, a professor of business administration, lamented the lack of tangible progress and good governance under the democratic system since its inception on May 29, 1999.
While Nigeria has experienced 25 years without military interference since the return to democracy, the reality on the ground is that Nigerians have not enjoyed the dividends of good governance, Orogbu lamented.
Her remarks reflect growing concerns among citizens regarding the state of democracy in Nigeria, despite the absence of military coups.
Many argue that political stability has not translated into meaningful development, with challenges such as corruption, insecurity, and socio-economic inequality persisting.
She said, “We are celebrating 25 years of an unbroken democratic system. This celebration is coming to me with so many mixed feelings because Nigerians are all watching us.”
“Those people we are representing are listening to us. How much of this unbroken democracy that we are celebrating today? How has it translated to unbroken food security? How has it transformed into unbroken security in the nation? How has it transformed into unbroken access to education and access to healthcare, and we are talking of a celebration of democracy?
“Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, and for the people. And it should actually change the lives of our people.
“Our people are hungry back home. To be honest with you, Mr Speaker, there is nothing to celebrate. We should be celebrating food security and access to healthcare.”
Responding, Ben Kalu, the deputy speaker, who presided over the plenary said to her, “Oh, you are saying we should not celebrate democracy?
“Democracy is what is protecting you. Democracy has given you that place where you are standing to represent the people.”
But Orogbu, a member of the Labour Party (LP), commented that she came to the national assembly under democracy, but asked, “how has it (democracy) impacted my own people.”
Contributing on the matter, Idris Wase, chairman of the Committee On Federal Character said, “We are benefiting, and the country is benefiting. In the past, some few persons will sit in a small room and call themselves the supreme military council and decide for us what millions are supposed to take decisions on.
“But today it is over. I want to commend our forefathers who worked to ensure that democracy is entrenched in this country. It wasn’t gotten easily. That is why I believe that June 12 is important to us.”
Another lawmaker, Kafilat Ogbara, from Lagos, argued that democracy has not really benefited women.
According to her, women are not given fair representation in politics.
Calling for reforms to increase the representation of women in party politics and elective offices, she said, “We want a situation where the electoral body will reject a single gender list for the house of representatives and senate. It is undemocratic.”
As Nigeria marks this milestone, Orogbu’s comments underscore the need for reflection on the nation’s democratic journey and a renewed commitment to addressing the fundamental issues hindering progress and prosperity for all citizens.