Many in Nigeria are in a celebratory mood: nine years of uninterrupted democratic rule. This celebration has provoked national debate along many dimensions. While some feel May 29 is not the actual democracy day, but June 12, following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, believed to have been won by the late M.K.O Abiola; who later died in the struggle for the actualization of the dream, others argue that May 29, when the military handed over power to the civilian is the real democracy day.

Another national controversy is whether there is need for celebration of democratic rule: given the pervasive poverty ravaging the land. Some believe there is nothing to celebrate. Others feel otherwise, arguing that Nigerians have many reasons to celebrate because there is prosperous future awaiting the snoring giant of Africa. Against the background of the ravagers of military rule, there are reasons for us as a nation to celebrate. After all, if we can’t be grateful for what we received (democracy), we should be grateful for what we escaped from (military rule). The fact that we can express ourselves without fear of possible arrest and detention is good enough! We may not have reached the Promised Land, but at least, we have left Egypt. Those who can still recall the nasty experiences under military rule will surely appreciate this.

Concerning democracy dividends, I think this is where we should all concentrate our energy. It does appear that the present democracy has not substantially benefited the common man. Situations are deteriorating by the day. The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. In every direction across the land, there seems to be no hope.

Poverty is seriously decimating the people. Food insecurity is the order of the day. For instance, rice which is one of the common staples for the common man is going out of reach. Bread has been technically removed from the reach of the common people, yet those who are in privileged positions do not know that the poor man is dying of hunger! Poor men seek meat for their stomach, rich men seek stomach for their meat and loot.

Unemployment precipitates crime, including armed robbery, killing, prostitution and desecration of human values and dignity, yet, government appears to be morally insensitive. Indeed, this country, with the much-touted democratic dividends, which the politicians mouth everyday, is in serious trouble. This is a major challenge to the Yar’Adua administration. Since this administration began a year ago, the nation has been in a state of inertia. It has been so motionless and lethargic. Yar’Adua’s government, to say the least, has been quite phlegmatic, very unambitious at the expense of the nation’s urgent need for revival.

The problems of the nation are numerous. What can one say about the embarrassing energy crisis? What can one say about the intractable corruption in the land? Now, between tomorrow’s dream and yesterday’s request is today’s opportunity to design a better plan the future.

Rather than embarking on propaganda to celebrate its one year in office, this government should be honest enough to reflect and conclude that it has not done enough to alleviate the suffering of the people. It is be better to rise to the occasion and address the overwhelming problems confronting the nation new.

Still May God save us from hotheads who lead us to act foolishly but also from cold feet that would keep us from acting at all.

Mr. Saanu writes from Ibadan.