Comparing Democratic Progress: Nigeria and Ghana’s Divergence
Sylvester Odion-Akhaine argues that Ghana has made significant democratic strides compared to Nigeria, primarily due to stronger institutional frameworks and better electoral processes. He criticizes Nigeria’s electoral integrity, pervasive human rights violations, and mismanagement of public resources, attributing these issues to the stagnant state of its democracy. The disparity in democratic development between the two nations highlights the urgent need for reform in Nigeria.
Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, a Professor of Political Science and Human Rights Activist, contends that Ghana has experienced significant democratic progress over the past two decades, in contrast to Nigeria. He emphasizes that Ghana’s efforts towards institutional development are evident in innovations and improvements within its electoral process and governance.
Professor Odion-Akhaine highlighted that Ghana’s Electoral Commission, Judiciary, and Security Agencies have exhibited strong institutional capabilities through their resilience and professionalism in managing electoral processes. In his inaugural lecture at Lagos State University, titled “Shifting For Good: The Weapon Of Empiricism In The Disorder Of A Third Wave Of Democracy In Africa,” he detailed these distinctions.
The Professor argued that while Ghanaian democracy has qualitatively advanced, Nigeria’s democracy has only seen quantitative growth. He attributed this stagnation to fundamental issues such as the absence of free and fair elections, explaining that elections in Nigeria since 1999 have largely been rigged, undermining democratic principles.
Additionally, he noted that the international community’s efforts in Nigeria have failed, contrasting this with the development of a peace council in Ghana that helped mediate election conflicts. Odion-Akhaine underscored Ghana’s successful transitions of power between the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party since 2000, while Nigeria has only experienced one significant transfer of power in 2015.
He identified four major problems afflicting Nigeria: the lack of genuine electoral integrity, consistent human rights violations, political instability due to ethnic identity, and severe mismanagement of public funds. He remarked that political killings and the trauma from insurgencies have marred Nigeria’s democracy, where political elites enrich themselves at the expense of the nation’s economy.
Odion-Akhaine further stated that daily expenditures on public office holders are detrimental to necessary capital investment, with over 70 percent of the national income being consumed by recurrent expenses. This economic mismanagement fosters a system where government officials exploit their positions, weakening the state’s foundation.
In conclusion, Professor Sylvester Odion-Akhaine’s critique of Nigeria’s democratic state compared to Ghana’s emphasizes the lack of institutional strength, electoral integrity, and effective governance that have plagued Nigeria. The systematic issues highlighted, including mismanagement of resources and human rights abuses, continue to hinder Nigeria’s democratic progress. In contrast, Ghana’s dedication to establishing strong democratic institutions has led to notable improvements in electoral contexts and political stability, showcasing the need for comprehensive reforms in Nigeria to advance its democracy.
Original Source: businessday.ng
