Shina Peller
Former lawmaker and Ayedero of Yorubaland, Hon. Shina Peller, has said Nigeria’s democracy has failed to deliver meaningful benefits to ordinary citizens, warning that worsening economic hardship and insecurity threaten the country’s democratic foundations.
In a Democracy Day statement marking the June 12 anniversary, Peller departed from the customary celebratory tone associated with the national occasion, instead offering a critical assessment of the country’s political and socio-economic realities.
According to him, although Nigeria operates within a democratic framework, the expected dividends of democracy have remained largely out of reach for millions of citizens.
“Let us be brutally honest with ourselves: we are practising a democracy, but we are yet to deliver its dividends to the ordinary Nigerian,” he said.
Peller argued that the ideals underpinning the June 12 struggle – justice, popular sovereignty and the will of the people – risk being undermined by rising poverty, insecurity and growing disillusionment among citizens.
He expressed concern over what he described as an increasing disconnect between political leaders and the people they govern, urging public office holders to regard leadership as a sacred trust rather than a personal entitlement.
The former member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives warned that leaders cannot afford to govern with indifference while millions of Nigerians grapple with hunger, economic uncertainty and concerns over their safety.
However, he also challenged citizens to take greater responsibility in shaping the country’s democratic future.
Peller said Nigerians must move beyond viewing democracy as an event that occurs once every four years during elections and become more actively engaged in governance and accountability.
Democracy must translate into jobs, Security, relief for Nigerians -LP
He cautioned against the practice of exchanging votes for financial inducements and allowing ethnic or religious considerations to override competence and integrity in leadership choices.
According to him, such actions ultimately contribute to the country’s underdevelopment.
Despite his concerns about the current state of the nation, Peller expressed optimism about Nigeria’s prospects, citing the resilience, creativity and energy of its youthful population as reasons for hope.
He called for deliberate efforts to strengthen institutions, promote accountability and pursue economic policies that guarantee dignity and opportunity for all citizens.
Peller also stressed the importance of national unity anchored on justice and fairness.
Addressing young Nigerians directly, he urged them to channel their frustrations into constructive civic participation rather than political apathy.
He said the June 12 anniversary should serve as a turning point for both leaders and citizens, inspiring a renewed commitment to building a society where democratic values are reflected not only in elections but in everyday governance.
According to him, democracy must become a lived reality that improves the lives of ordinary people, rather than a slogan invoked only during national commemorations.
The Guardian
