The Quest for Democratic Rule and the Dividends of Democracy: Hope for Nigerians and Democratic Consolidation

Abstract

ABSTRACT The match to democratic rule was not an easy ride for Nigerians after the military interruption and rule for close to three decades. The years of military rule were politically and economically disastrous for Nigerians; institutions of states were severely undermined, corruption entrenched and the militarization of the entire system hence the quest for democratic rule. Nigerians fought with their lives, blood and every means available. The agitations eventually ushered the country into the much-desired democratic rule with high hopes and expectations. Twenty-four (24) years plus of democratic rule, have the hopes and expectations of Nigerians been met? What has happened to unemployment, poverty, social inequality, and infant, child, and maternal mortality (all indices of development hence the dividend of democracy)? This paper evaluates the all-embraced democratic rule visa-vis dividend of democracy in Nigeria. It focused on the twenty-one (21) years of democratic rule and how Nigerians have felt under it thus far. It was an evaluative research analyzed from the conflict/Marxist theoretical platform. The paper found that Nigerians and the nation at large have not felt much better under the democratic rule they so fought for and massively embraced; with corruption, unemployment, poverty and other indices of development still on the increase. The paper recommends good governance, and a strong and impartial justice system among others.