Page 216 - Blooms Schools Yearbook 2019

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DEMOCRACY AS A TOOL FOR PROMOTING
NATIONAL UNITY, PEACE AND STABILITY

democracy, certain sections of the country will feel left out of the scheme of things. This can lead to
instability.

The question at this moment is, since we have democracy in the country, why then do some sections
of the country feel side-lined? Why are there so many agitations and talk of restructuring? Why is
there so much instability created by Boko Haram, farmers and herder clashes, MOSOP, among
others? Why are we yet to achieve national cohesion or unity in spite of the democracy we have
been practising?

First, to answer these questions, we need sincerity of purpose. We must seek to understand other
people's points of view devoid of selfishness.

The story was once told of the Sadauna who had in response to Chief Awolowo's counsel that they
should forget their differences and live in peace and unity, that it was not possible to forget their
differences; but rather, they could understand their differences.

To Balewa, how was it possible to forget that one was a Hausa or a Yoruba or an Ibo? But while it was
not possible to forget such differences, we can, with understanding, be accommodating.

Secondly, another thing to enable us enjoy the full benefit of democracy as a tool for promoting
national unity, peace and stability is to fashion a democracy based on our particular need. You can
call it home –grown democracy. This is a kind of democracy that is not just imported hook, line and
sinker from the west.

It may interest you to know that before the west introduced us to their democracy, we in Nigeria and
indeed, Africa at large had a form of democracy which you may describe loosely as “chop I chop.”
Our societies ensured that if a family or section enjoyed something, it was agreed that others have
the benefit also. This was done to avoid feeling of dissatisfaction. Leaders were also appointed
democratically through “the Council of Elders”. This is to say in other words, that democracy has
always been a part of our existence.

Western- style democracy thrives on literacy. Here, we are largely illiterates. Vote-buying, poverty,
under age voting, election rigging and violence are as a result of using a wholly foreign system.

Lastly, our home grown democracy should give women prominent positions since they are an
important part of our society.

In conclusion, although democracy has the potential of promoting peace and unity in our nation, until
we correct certain anomalies in the system, hopes of achieving peace, unity and stability will be a
mirage.

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