By OKEOGHENE AKUBUIKE

Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions as Nigeria celebrates 25 years of Democratic Government, saying they need to see more dividends of democracy.

Some Nigerians, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, said our leaders needed to listen to the citizens as it was obtainable in a true democracy.

Mr Isaac Ighure, a former Secretary-General, Nigerian Guild of Editors, said the leaders needed to firm up the country’s democracy and improve on it.

“Democracy is yet to take a firm root in Nigeria. We keep describing our democracy as nascent.

“We cannot remain young forever; after 25 years we should be standing firm in our democracy and see its dividends.”

Ighure said Nigerian leaders did not have a listening ear citing the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira as examples, which had led to hardship.

“Our leaders need to listen to the people because the people voted for them. That is what democracy is. Our leaders do not tolerate alternative views.

“They need to wake up to entrench free democratic practices, freedom of the press, and the right of the people to make their feelings known through peaceful protest without intimidation by security personnel.

“The government needs to take away the hunger ravaging the land, improve the health and education sectors, provide adequate infrastructure, and tackle insecurity in the land.

“Nigerians can no longer feed properly, Nigerians are living in IDP camps in their own states, farmers can no longer go to the farms because of bandits.

“The Chibok and Dapchi School children are still missing, and other students are being kidnapped from their schools. These are not things that make up a democratic setting,” he said.

He said the government must tackle corruption at all levels, and prosecute any corrupt person irrespective of who they were.

“We claim to model our democracy after the U. S., which is a largely free society. Former U. S. President, Donald Trump has been convicted of a felony, that is a true democracy. Can that happen in Nigeria?

“Leaders should not live in opulence while the citizens live in penury. Our leaders should give us a sense of worth.

“Your children cannot be sick at home or unable to go to school while you and the parents are looking for money to buy a new car or travel abroad.”

Ighure urged the government to pay the minimum wage proposed by labour, saying it was long overdue, especially with the present economic situation which had led to hardship.

Femi Ogunshola, a public servant, said the country had witnessed some dividends of democracy, however, things could be better after 25 years of democracy.

“The press is relatively free compared to the military era and Nigerians can now exercise their democratic right to vote and be voted for.

“Nigerian youths have now been given the opportunity to occupy leadership positions as well.

“However, we still have a long way to go, this is not where we are supposed to be as a nation.

“Nigeria can be better if we have the right leaders, who listen to the people and consider the citizens’ interests above their personal interest. ”

Mrs Gloria Okafor, a businesswoman said Nigeria had witnessed some dividends of democracy but a lot more could be done to achieve more.

“In the area of freedom of speech, we have made good progress. Also, we have a system of government where citizens can vote for their leaders who represent them in parliament.

“However, we are not where we are supposed to be yet after 25 years. If you compare other countries practising democracy and see what they have achieved in terms of development.

Then you know Nigeria still has a long way to go.

“Democracy is a good thing but part of the problem is that the people are not holding the government accountable.

“Government must listen more to the people and after listening they should act on what the people have said.

“It is one thing to listen and another to take action. We need a responsive government,” she said. (NAN)

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