Despite the promise of democratic system to improve people’s lives, Nigeria’s democracy is still battling to survive after 22 years, Dr Sani Safiyanu of Department of Political Science, Bayero University Kano (BUK), lamented.
The university don was speaking during a lecture session organised by a youth group, Society for Educational Development and Socio-Democratic Activities (SEDSAC) to commemorate Nigeria’s 61st independence anniversary held in Kano,
Dr Safiyanu said it was sad to notice that money politics had eaten deep into Nigeria’s democracy, adding that the youths should learn to vote for the right candidates in the next coming elections.
“If they give you money, collect, but vote for the right candidate,” he advised.
He said half of Nigerian problems lie with state governments, adding that people look up to the federal government for minor responsibilities that could be addressed by states.
Speaking at the event, SEDSAC Executive Director, Umar Hamisu Kofar Na’isa, said the event was organised to inculcate nationalism and patriotism in youths, adding that it was the fifth time the association celebrated the day.
The lecture titled, “Trends in Nigeria’s politics: How democratic is Nigeria’s democracy? Lessons and way forward”, brought together youth groups, intellectuals, civil society organisations and academics from different parts of the state.
