Chidoka Issues Warning on Nigeria’s Democratic Health
Chidoka Osita, the former aviation minister and chairman of the Athena Center for Policy and Leadership, has raised significant concerns regarding the state of Nigeria’s democracy. He emphasized that the country is experiencing a “crisis of proselytization,” primarily not due to voter apathy but rather a decline in meaningful citizen participation.
Barriers to Voting Highlighted
During his keynote address at the second Celebrity Lecture held at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Chidoka asserted that millions of Nigerians are eager to vote. However, he pointed out that institutional obstacles are making civic participation increasingly difficult and costly.
“The days of excuses are over,” he stated. “There is no intentional crisis in Nigeria. The real issue is a crisis of conversion; people want to be involved, but the system discourages them.”
Voter Turnout Statistics Raise Alarm
Chidoka referenced data from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), revealing that out of 93.4 million registered voters, approximately 68 million did not participate in the 2023 presidential election, leading to a voter turnout of just 26.7%. This figure marks a stark decline from a turnout of 53.7% recorded in 2011.
He argued that the underlying problem is not a lack of public engagement, but rather the inefficiencies and uncertainties embedded in the electoral framework.
Lack of Legislative Transparency Underlined
Chidoka also painted a concerning picture regarding legislative transparency in Nigeria. Citing research from the Athena Center, he revealed that only 39% of state legislatures have a verified website, merely 11% maintain a YouTube channel, and none publish official legislative records online. This lack of transparency, he argued, leads to a governance system largely hidden from public scrutiny.
“If the public can’t see how decisions are made, accountability becomes almost impossible,” he cautioned, contrasting Nigeria’s opacity with the more transparent governance practices seen in countries like South Africa and India.
Competing Cultural Frameworks in Governance
Central to his lecture was the notion of two competing cultural frameworks in Nigerian governance: “alibi culture” and “agency culture.” The former is marked by a tendency to rely on excuses rooted in historical grievances, while the latter emphasizes responsibility, execution, and measurable results.
Chidoka remarked, “The map of global prosperity indicates where excuses cease and implementation takes root.”
Introducing the Philosophy of Mekalia
To facilitate a shift from excuses to action, Chidoka introduced a philosophy known as Mekalia, which focuses on institutional and social improvements. This African framework prioritizes cultural values such as integrity, humanity, and industry, advocating for disciplined behavior through its Measure, Monitor, and Improve (M²I) model.
“Mekalia is more than a slogan; it’s a system for sustainable effort,” he emphasized. “We must organize our institutions around data, standards, and accountability, rather than emotion and intent.”
Data-Driven Governance as a Path to Reform
Drawing from his experiences at the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Chidoka asserted that a data-driven approach to governance minimizes discretion and, consequently, corruption, offering a viable pathway to reform.
He challenged students and institutions to foster a culture of measurable performance by consistently asking critical questions: How do you know when you’re succeeding? What changes if you fail?
“Improvement in the country won’t arise from anger; it’s about establishing participation as a habitual practice rather than a sporadic event,” he concluded.
Engagement among Students and Faculty
In his address, ESUT Vice-Chancellor Aloysius Michaels Okolie commended the lectures for their timely insights, emphasizing that the Distinguished Speakers series aims to close the gap between academic theory and practical governance.
The event encouraged vigorous dialogue among students and faculty, focusing on governance reform, legislative accountability, and the critical role of Nigerian youth in revitalizing the nation’s democratic culture.
The Athena Center for Policy and Leadership, the event organizer, reaffirmed its dedication to promoting evidence-based governance and institutional reform across Nigeria, positioning the lecture as part of a larger initiative to enhance public leadership and democratic accountability.
