Date Published: 09/24/09
Democracy and Kaki Mentality By Henry Akubue
Democracy in a lay man’s understanding is defined as the government of the people, for the people and by the people. Democracy in its entirety is seen as the generally accepted form of governance and hence has to be practiced both in governance and attitude.
Basically, this form of government creates a liberal and free society where people’s rights are respected and they co-habit peacefully. In line with the above countries like the United State of America, United Kingdom etc are seen as nearly a perfect society. This I know is unconnected with the disposition of their natural resources or technological know-how but with its value for life and respect of the citizens, which in turn impacts on the commitment of its citizen towards the development of the country.
Contrary to this view, the most populous black nation Nigeria upholds an ideology of democracy that contradicts its real definition. The advent of the modern democracy since 1999 till date has constantly been characterised with all sorts of human rights deprivation.
I rather see a Plutocratic form of governance than Democracy. A neo-colonial rule I would rather say.
At this juncture, I tried to deduce the reason behind all these and what came to mind was the devastating effect of the long military rulership via Coup and counter Coups. This has eaten deep into the psychic of the society. Little wonder why at the slightest attainment of an exalted position it is used in such a cruel and mean manner, it is the form of mentality I choose to call the “Kah-ki Mentality”. Such a mentality we experience in the day to day running of the affairs in government.
The barbaric experiences of the civilians in the hands of the people they entrust their lives like the police, military etc is continually increasing. It becomes rather ironical that the tax payers’ money with which these people are paid turns around to be at the detriment of the tax payer. This inhumane treatment ranges from the various murder, rape, molestations, intimidations and bullying cases. The annoying part of the situation is that the offenders go scout free with little or no punishment to serve as a deterrent to others.
Consequently, the civilians in order to avoid this try to identify with them and this occurs in such a way that the quest for the military and other Para-military identity cards, stickers etc increases. Sacrifices of any type are made as a quid pro quo for the identity, this I term the “Kah-ki Mentality” that prevails in our society.
Democratic governance should ensure both attitudinal and technological development. However within this context, the several electoral malpractices experienced in the country constitute what one may describe as failure in the development of our behaviour over the years. It does nothing but to make one ponder if we actually practice democracy. No thanks to the election that saw some of the office holders into power.
Series of electoral killings, ballot box snatching, duplication of votes etc most times were recorded as this purports that we have lost the track.
The election that saw Barrack Obama as the president of America clearly shows how the vote of the masses can bring about a credible election and candidate. Although some may argue that this example may be far fetched, on the home front of Africa, however the recent Ghana election that crowned Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, president has enjoyed a lot of commendations from both Africa and the Diaspora.
The attributes seen in the Nigerian election is akin to a military regime in which power is forcefully taken as against the will of the electorate. This can more or less be referred to as Quasi Coup d etat.
Optimistic reasoning has made me believe that things will soon improve at least with the recent court declarations that saw the return of the stolen mandates of some governors like Mr. Peter Obi of Anambra State, Comrade Adams Oshiomole of Edo State and Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State. It is therefore pertinent to enjoin politicians who has or is treated unfairly in elections to seek redress through the judiciary since our electoral system has failed in its role.
The Machiavellian method of achieving power has greatly led to the enthronement of people with such a kaki way of reasoning. Our leaders pay little or no attention to the yearnings of the people who they are supposed to be leading. In a real democratic setting, the masses wield the greatest power of decision making. Although decisions are meant to be taken collectively however they contrarily accord themselves the sole right of decision making. if not ,why will a government that is assumed to be people friendly not listen to their plights or even make policies against the popular wish of the masses.. An illustration can be drawn from the agitation for the increment of the salaries of the Nigerian workers. The government on its own part used the economic crisis and deregulation as these have become a cliché in the Nigerian polity. However, the various promises made before the assumption of office becomes that of a poacher turned gamekeeper.
Power gripping is characteristic of every military regime i.e. the attitude of not relinquishing power even when it is against the wish of the masses. In a democratic dispensation on the other hand, the populace determine who leads them or not and in a situation whereby an office holder is declared Persona non grata such a fellow gives up such power. In a country such as ours that prides itself as a democratic community, power is a Willy nilly affair and there is little or no consideration on how it affects the populace. It is disheartening that our democracy has borrowed this military tendency. The opprobrium against the chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) on the conduct of the 2007 election to quit his position. And his counter refusal to do so makes it very obvious that some people are willing to sacrifice the country for their selfish interest. Also the third tenure syndrome that pervaded the former president’s administration is another good example. This democratised military government should be done away with so that the interest of the masses will prevail.
Therefore, the practice of true democracy should be imbibed in the daily activities of the government in such a way that its impact be felt in every nook and cranny of the society. As aforementioned, I am very optimistic that by the time the military psychology which has engulfed our sense of reasoning in our nascent democracy fizzles out then we will begin to enjoy the values that democracy holds
