An excerpt from Mr. Kenneth Okonkwo.
The word “bane” refers to anything that causes distress, harm, ruin, annoyance, or even death. Unfortunately, Nigeria’s Fourth Republic has become synonymous with these very afflictions. From economic instability to political unrest, this era has brought ruin, pain, and widespread dissatisfaction. The once-promising nation now grapples with a depreciating naira, escalating insecurity, energy crises, declining agricultural productivity, and a loss of international respect.
One glaring example of this decline is the shocking expenditure by the Nigerian government—a staggering N150 billion—on a presidential jet, even as countless citizens suffer from hunger and poverty. It’s disheartening that the jet, bought at such a high cost, was later seized in foreign countries due to a breach of agreement between Ogun State and a Chinese company, Zhongshang Fucheng Industrial Investment Ltd.
A Brief History of Nigeria’s Republics: Failures and Lessons
The Fourth Republic is not the first time Nigeria has seen a democratic government crumble under the weight of corruption, violence, and mismanagement. The First Republic collapsed due to election rigging and corruption, leading to a military coup. The Second Republic, under President Shagari, met a similar fate, marred by electoral violence and widespread corruption. The Third Republic never fully materialized, as the infamous annulment of the June 12 election by General Ibrahim Babangida plunged the country back into dictatorship.
These historical failures paved the way for a Fourth Republic built on shaky foundations. Dictators, civilian contractors, and criminals who thrived under military regimes were the dominant forces in the political landscape. Unfortunately, their influence continues to cast a long shadow over Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The Fourth Republic: Corruption, Dictatorship, and Criminality
The Fourth Republic was marred from the start by the legacies of dictatorship, corruption, and criminality inherited from previous military regimes. Despite the high hopes that accompanied the return to democracy in 1999, the reality has been far from the ideal. The election of Olusegun Obasanjo, a former military leader, as the first President of the Fourth Republic, was seen as a move to appease the South-West following the annulment of the June 12 election. However, his tenure was characterized by economic mismanagement, electoral fraud, and an attempt to extend his presidency beyond the constitutional limit.
Subsequent administrations have struggled to steer the nation in the right direction. The death of President Yar’Adua cut short his efforts at electoral reform, and his successor, Goodluck Jonathan, faced significant challenges in maintaining political stability. The emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015, promising change, has only deepened the country’s woes, with issues of dictatorship, corruption, and nepotism reaching new heights under President Muhammadu Buhari and his successor, Bola Tinubu.
The ongoing challenges facing Nigeria under the Fourth Republic highlight the need for urgent reforms. Free and fair elections, transparent governance, and a commitment to eradicating corruption are essential to restoring the nation’s democratic foundations. Additionally, addressing the energy crisis, improving agricultural productivity, and ensuring security for all citizens are critical steps toward a brighter future.
Nigerians are not asking for handouts; they simply seek a fair chance at a decent life. By learning from the past and making bold changes, Nigeria can overcome the bane of its Fourth Republic and chart a course toward a more prosperous and just society.
