‘We aren’t practising democracy’ | ‘There’s progress’ — Ozekhome, Wike trade words over democratic journey

Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), has tackled Mike Ozekhome, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), for saying Nigeria’s democracy has not delivered on its promises.

The minister spoke at ‘This Nigeria Lecture and Award’ in Abuja on Thursday.

The theme of the event was: ’25 Years of Unbroken Democracy — Challenges, Prospects and Possibilities’.

Ozekhome had asked President Bola Tinubu to go out and feel the pulse of Nigerians, adding that Nigeria is not really practising democracy.

“What manner of democracy are we practising? Have we gained or lost something? Democracy is the government of the people, by the people and for the people. Is it the same government we are practising?” Ozekhome had asked.

“We have not quite gotten the tenet of democracy, we only have civilian government. It is when votes are allowed to count, that is when you will say there’s democracy.

“One of the best qualities of a leader is to know when you are wrong.”

The lawyer said companies are leaving Nigeria, adding that most of these companies are exiting because of insecurity and other challenges.

“We need our leaders to galvanise our people. We should leave out tribalism, favouritism, ethnicism and others that are not doing us any good,” he added.

“We need a new constitution, like what America did then. Not only do we need to decentralise, we need legal reforms, electoral reforms, among others.

“We should do away with political corruption, where people in government take the largest chunk of what belongs to the people.

“Mr. President, there’s hunger and anger in the land. Disguise yourself one night and go out there and see what Nigerians are facing.

“Block all loopholes and cut the size of governance. The size of government is too large. We should stop the buying of aircraft and cars. The people are hungry.

“Mr. President, you have an opportunity to write your name in gold. It is in times of crisis that we know great leaders. Come out and empathise with the people you lead. You can do it… it’s not impossible.”

WIKE REACTS

In his reaction, Wike defended the federal government, saying some progress has been made in certain areas.

The minister, who was an awardee at the lecture, said previous speakers acted as though there has been no gains since Nigeria commenced its fourth republic in 1999.

He asked Ozekhome to balance criticisms with acknowledgment of progress.

“Ladies and gentlemen, yes I am an awardee but also a Nigerian. It will be wrong sitting here without correcting some impressions,” Wike said.

“We are talking about 25 years of democracy; we know we have challenges. I expected the lecturer to also speak of progress.

“But the lecture was just about criticisms, nothing was said about progress. Are you telling me that no single progress was made? We can say there is progress but there’s need for improvement.”

The minister added that recent infrastructure development in the FCT is testament to the president’s ability to deliver.

“Just like Shehu Sanu said, they were locked up and detained. But that doesn’t happen under this democracy. That’s progress,” Wike added.

“You have spoken about infrastructural development in FCT, that’s progress. So I just said I should say the fact. And again, the fact that you people are activists does not mean that you would do well in power. Activists have failed before when given appointments.”

Wike pointed to Shehu Sani, a former senator who represented Kaduna central, and said: “When you were in the senate, how did you perform?”

Returning to Ozekhome, the minister asked: “As an activist and lawyer, how many times have you rejected briefs? Those who have rigged elections, you have always defended them. It’s not about postulating all the time.

“Thank you and God bless you.”