TO HAIL, OR TO WAIL?

Freedom of speech and expression is the hallmark of democratic societies all over the world. A virile opposition is the true test of democracy. Divergent views are expected in any normal community. No two people are alike.

Even in the best of democracies, the opposition still exists. It exists not only in the form of the opposing party; it also exists in the form of pressure groups, civil liberties’ organizations, human rights’ organizations and concerned individuals who are aggrieved at the way the government is being run.

A vibrant opposition speaks for the group of people that have been sidelined or neglected by the ruling party. The duty of the opposition is to draw public attention to pitfalls and to keep the excesses of the government in check by raising a public outcry against constitutional breaches, unfair treatment and recklessness.

Therefore, it can be said that the opposition helps democracy to thrive. Any government that suppresses the opposition, either through the mulling and censorship of the press, the monitoring of social media accounts or the harassment and intimidation of people with contrary opinions, is tending towards dictatorship. The silencing of the opposition has no place in a democracy.

Having reached the 17^th year of uninterrupted democracy, Nigerians are more politically aware than ever. In the build-up towards the 2015 general elections, there was massive campaigning on all platforms. This was probably the most engaging campaign ever experienced in terms of the media used, and also the outreach. There was heightened participation in political discussions and arguments. Virtually everyone formed a political opinion.

The elections have come and gone. The new administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari has clocked its first hundred days in office. A lot of expectations are hinged on his numerous campaign promises. To some, he is the best thing to happen to Nigeria since independence. To others, he comes across as someone who is overwhelmed by the demands of the office. However, the onus of whether he succeeds or not, depends on you and I.

When the Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, referred to the opposition as the “Wailing Wailers”, he was simply unprofessional in his conduct. Never before have we seen a Presidency that is always on the offensive or engaged in so much damage control. A presidential spokesman is supposed to dwell on issues. No matter how hard anyone tries, it is impossible to wish the opposition away, except of course, you are Kim Jong Un of North Korea.

Some people have accorded the demi-god status to President Buhari. He is the one who must not be questioned, queried or criticized. Everywhere you turn, it seems like there is always a handful of them ready to shout you down with chants of “Sai Buhari! Sai Baba!” To them, he is the panacea for everything from power failure to full-blown AIDS. Just bring up a problem, they would tell you that Buhari would fix it. He is continuously praised for what he has not done, or what he will do. I am still yet to see what he is doing.

The thing that is wrong with this type of thinking is that those that practice it refuse to demand for their rights. They refuse to question their leaders, or hold them accountable to their campaign promises. They forget the reason why their leaders were elected. Since their leaders can do no wrong, they are content with the crumbs been flung their way.

Now, to the issue of “wailing”. The “wailers”, by their antagonistic attitude, keep the government on their toes. They draw attention to issues that the supporters of the ruling party have conveniently chosen to overlook. They highlight the excesses of the government and its institutions. They beam the searchlight on anomalies in the system.

Blind followership and hero-worship of our politicians is very injurious to our democracy. We should always remember that our politicians are there to serve us. It shouldn’t be us serving our politicians. Honey-coated words will not spur them into action. Telling it as it is would.

Demand for the very best, for it is your right. You deserve nothing less.