FRIDAY EVENING WITH AMOFIN BEULAH ADEOYE (XII): What It Means to Be a Democrat

Democracy, the cornerstone of modern governance, is often touted as the most convenient way to govern. However, I think this notion couldn’t be farther from the truth. In reality, democracy can be a painstakingly slow and laborious process, fraught with bureaucratic red tape and inefficiencies. The due process that underpins democratic governance can be frustratingly sluggish, often leading to feelings of exasperation and disillusionment among citizens. Ultimately, this complexity underscores, among other things, the need for patience, persistence, and dedication to the democratic process.

The inherent complexities of democratic governance can be overwhelming, making it difficult for even the most well-intentioned individuals to navigate. The need for consensus-building, compromise, and collaboration can lead to a sense of inertia, as different stakeholders with competing interests vie for influence. Even more so, the bureaucracy that often accompanies democratic governance can be stifling, slowing the pace of progress and frustrating efforts to achieve meaningful outcomes. Effective democratic governance, therefore, requires a delicate balance between competing interests and sensitive priorities.

The founding fathers of democracy anchored its principles on the majority holding sway while also protecting the rights of the minority. This delicate balance is essential to the functioning of democratic governance because it ensures that the interests of all citizens are represented and protected. The democratic process is designed to facilitate the peaceful resolution of conflicts, the promotion of accountability and transparency, and the protection of individual rights and freedoms. Through this process, democracy taps into the collective knowledge and experience of its citizens to drive progress and innovation.

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Over time, democracy has evolved to serve as a benchmark for good governance and an ideal in government. It has become an indispensable tool for advancing political, economic, social, and cultural goals and aspirations. Democracy has established clear guidelines and standards for the promotion of human rights, the protection of individual freedoms, and the advancement of social justice. In doing so, democracy has provided a cornerstone for the development of egalitarian societies, built for the collective good.

One of the most significant contributions of democracy has been the creation of laws that promote the common good. These laws, often the result of intense debate and negotiation, provide a foundation for social justice, protection of individual rights, and the advancement of human well-being. The establishment of these laws has enabled citizens to live together in harmony, promoting a sense of community and social cohesion. In this way, democratic governance has actualized its foundational and ancestral intentions.

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I make bold to assert that identifying as a democrat requires more than just paying lip service to democratic ideals. It demands a resolve and deep commitment to the principles of democracy, including the protection of individual rights, the promotion of social justice, and the advancement of human well-being. Democrats must, at all times, be willing to abide by the rules and guidelines established by democratic governance, even when they conflict with, or do not satisfactorily fulfill, personal interests or biases.

In Africa, and indeed Nigeria, our democracy is often practiced with a unique blend of cultural sensitivity and respect. As a continent rooted in culture and tradition, I believe that democratic governance in Africa must be tailored to meet the specific needs and aspirations of our various local communities.

The success of democracy in Africa will, therefore, depend on our ability as citizens to:

• Show trust and confidence in the process.
• Hold our leaders accountable.
• Promote transparency and accountability.
• Defend the principles of democracy.

This way, African democracy can promote social justice, protect individual rights, and advance human well-being for economic growth and development. That is how to be a democrat.

~ Amofin Beulah Adeoye
Friday, November 29, 2024.