Egyptian Democracy; A Lesson to Nigerian Youth

EGYPTIAN DEMOCRACY; A LESSON TO NIGERIAN YOUTH

By UMAR IBRAHIM USMAN

Democracy may be a word familiar to most, but it is a concept still misunderstood and misused at a time when dictators, single-party regimes, and military coup leaders alike assert popular support by claiming the mantle of democracy. Yet the power of the democratic idea has prevailed through a long and turbulent history, and peace in the world.

For the first half of the twentieth century, Europe was the most turbulent region on earth, convulsed by war, economic crisis, and social and political conflict. For the second half of the century, it was among the most placid, a study in harmony and prosperity. What changed? Perhaps it will be ‘Democracy’

Democracy as a system of governance was originated from ancient Greek, where all people gathered on a public place to make decisions. As a result of the population growth this however becomes impossible; hence representative democracy came in to being, where people elect those who will represent their interest. The explosion of modern liberal democracy in the whole world over, Nigeria among other countries of the world was embrace democracy.

According to United Nations universal declaration on democracy Adopted by the Inter-Parliamentary Council at its 161st session (Cairo, 16 September 1997), Democracy is a universally recognized ideal as well as a goal, which is based on common values shared by peoples throughout the world community irrespective of cultural, political, social and economic differences. It is thus a basic right of citizenship to be exercised under conditions of freedom, equality, transparency and responsibility, with due respect for the plurality of views, and in the interest of the polity.

 Democracy is a vital instrument that propels political proficiency, economic development and social stability of any nation state. Here I can say does, Do you consider what Egyptians do against the democratic government of Morsi as a right thing?

What is currently happening in Middle East I hope it will be a lesson to Nigerian youth and African youth in general. This is due to the fact that they fail to understand what democracy is? How to be free from enslavement in a peaceful manner?

Here I can cite example with what is happening in Egypt today, after the demise of Husni Mubarak government, they return in to democracy. Egyptians use incessant protest against undemocratic government of Mubarak. Yet, they make another mistake during the reign of democratically elected President Morsi.

However, Egyptians fail to understand that there is provision for impeachment whenever you lack confidence in your president. Yet, they make another terrible action against the democratic government which has majority support. This led to the current political setbacks in the country, with violence, incessant civilian killings and life become in absolute danger.

Henceforth, socio-economic and political development can only take place if there is peace, there is tendency for a country to lose serenity, when they use the term ‘We against them’ people most try to be tolerant and appreciate other peoples cultures, religion and what have you.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments is instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” Thomas Jefferson in 1776:

The current happening in Egypt, I hope it will be a lesson to people of our dear country Nigeria, which shows the danger of inability to adhere to democratic principles as well as constitutional principles that people agree upon.

I beg Nigerian youth to avoid any violent means of getting their right. Meanwhile, you need learn how to manage tension during elections, or any government action that is not suitable for the nation. . Whenever there is need for going against government action people most use constitution and democratic means of going against any action. We should put forth law and order to fight for us.

Finally, experience shows that violence always led to the destruction of life and property, introducing the society in to the horrible and terrible situation characterize by incessant killing, formation of militant and terror organization. Hence, society will go back will go back to the state of insecurity, life will be solitary, poor, miserably, nasty and brutish. Therefore, society will experience immeasurable retrogression.