By Prof. Oyewole Sarumi
Reimagining Nigeria is a daunting task that requires a thorough grasp of the country’s intricate political landscape, which has been influenced by years of prebendalism and the ongoing struggle for consociational democracies.
Nigeria, with its vast population of over 200 million people and diverse ethnic groups, has faced numerous challenges in its quest for stability and prosperity. The country’s history of military rule, corruption, and ethnic tensions has led to a complex web of political, economic, and social issues that need to be addressed.
As we discuss the topic of reimagining Nigeria, it is essential to understand the concept of prebendalism, which refers to the practice of using public office for personal gain, and consociational democracies, which aim to promote power-sharing and representation among different groups. By exploring these concepts and their implications for Nigeria, we can begin to envision a brighter future for the country and its people.
The Nigerian political landscape is characterized by a federal system of government, with power divided between the central government and 36 states and FCT, and a multi-party system dominated by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the third force Labour Party (LP). However, the country’s political system has been plagued by corruption, patronage, and clientelism, which have hindered its development and perpetuated inequality.
To reimagine Nigeria, we need to consider the historical context of the country, including the legacy of colonialism and the impact of military rule on its political and economic development.
By examining the complex interplay of factors that have shaped Nigeria’s political landscape, we can identify potential pathways for reform and transformation. This may involve electoral reforms, citizen political education and participation, the emergence of transformational leadership, and constitutional reforms, among other measures. Ultimately, reimagining Nigeria requires a deep understanding of the country’s complexities and a commitment to creating a more just, equitable, and prosperous society for all its citizens.
WHAT’S PREBENDALISM?
Prebendalism, a system where government officials and politicians use their positions to accumulate wealth and power, has been a major obstacle to Nigeria’s development. This system has led to corruption, nepotism, and clientelism, undermining the country’s democratic institutions and perpetuating inequality.
Prebendalism is a political system in which government officials and politicians use their positions to accumulate wealth and power for themselves and their allies. This system is characterized by the distribution of government resources, such as jobs, contracts, and licenses, to supporters and loyalists in exchange for their loyalty and support. Prebendalism is often associated with corruption, nepotism, and clientelism, and can lead to the concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few individuals or groups.
In a prebendal system, the state is seen as a source of personal enrichment, and government officials and politicians use their positions to exploit state resources for their own benefit. This can lead to a lack of accountability, transparency, and good governance, and can undermine the legitimacy of the government and the rule of law.
WHAT’S CONSOCIATIONAL DEMOCRACY
On the other hand, consociational democracies, which aim to promote power-sharing and representation among different ethnic and religious groups, have been proposed as a way to address Nigeria’s diversity and promote stability. However, the implementation of such a system has been challenging, and the country has struggled to find a balance between representation and accountability.
Consociational democracies are a type of democratic system in which different ethnic, religious, or linguistic groups are represented and have a degree of autonomy and power-sharing. This system is designed to promote stability and cooperation among different groups, and to prevent the domination of one group over others.
In a consociational democracy, power is shared among different groups through a system of proportional representation, and each group has a degree of autonomy and decision-making power. This system is often used in countries with deep-seated ethnic, religious, or linguistic divisions, and is designed to promote reconciliation and cooperation among different groups.
Consociational democracies are characterized by:
- Power-sharing among different groups
- Proportional representation
- Autonomy and decision-making power for each group
- Grand coalitions and cooperation among different groups
- Protection of minority rights and interests
Differences:
The main differences between Prebendalism and Consociational democracies are:
- Purpose: Prebendalism is designed to accumulate wealth and power for individuals and groups, while Consociational democracies are designed to promote stability, cooperation, andh a lack o power-sharing among different groups.
- Power structure: In Prebendalism, power is concentrated in the hands of a few individuals or groups, while in Consociational democracies, power is shared among different groups through a system of proportional representation.
- Accountability: Prebendalism is often associated witf accountability and transparency, while Consociational democracies are designed to promote accountability and transparency through power-sharing and proportional representation.
- Legitimacy: Prebendalism can undermine the legitimacy of the government and the rule of law, while Consociational democracies are designed to promote legitimacy and stability through cooperation and power-sharing among different groups.
In summary, Prebendalism is a system of corruption and exploitation, while Consociational democracies are a system of power-sharing and cooperation designed to promote stability and legitimacy.
THE CHALLENGE OF THE POLITICAL CLASS
The Nigerian political class has been criticized for its role in perpetuating prebendalism, with many politicians more interested in accumulating wealth and power than in serving the people. The business class has also been complicit in this system, with some businessmen preferring the stability of military rule to the unpredictability of democracy. However, there are also voices within the business community that advocate for democratic reforms and greater accountability.
THE IMPACT OF RELIGION IN DEMOCRACY
Religious groups have also played a significant role in Nigeria’s democratic landscape, with some groups advocating for greater representation and others promoting a more conservative agenda. The resurgence of popular religious groups, such as Christian pentecostals and Muslim fundamentalists, has been seen as a counterhegemonic attempt to expand democratic space and contest the power of monopolies.
RE IMAGINING A NEW NIGERIA: A NEW WAY
So, which way out for Nigeria? The country needs to find a way to balance representation and accountability, promoting a more inclusive and participatory democracy that addresses the needs and aspirations of all Nigerians. This requires a fundamental transformation of the country’s political culture, away from prebendalism and towards a more consociational and democratic system. It also requires the engagement of all stakeholders, including civil society, the business community, and religious groups, in a national conversation about the country’s future and the values that should guide its development.
Ultimately, reimagining Nigeria requires a vision of a more just and equitable society, where all citizens have access to basic rights and opportunities. It requires a commitment to democratic principles and a willingness to challenge the status quo and promote meaningful change.
To helrad such meaningful change, a dogged focus on education for all at primary and secondary levels is imperative for birthing a new nation. Then, a conscientious pursuit of human capital development will be the greatest value for evolution of a bright future for all. Also, a consolidation of physical capital through deliberate infrastructural development (soft and hard) that ensures quality of life and prompt service delivery. One cannot but add the need for transformative leadership at all levels with those at the helm of affairs leading by examples.
As Nigerians look to the future, we must confront the challenges of their past and present, and work towards a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.
Blessings 💯❤️
Prof. Oyewole Sarumi