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.
