Paul Azuka, Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Asaba Branch, has described Nigeria’s democratic journey as slow and largely stagnant.
Azuka stated this in an interview with Newsmen while reacting to Nigeria’s 27 years of unbroken democratic rule and June 12 Democracy Day commemoration in Asaba on Friday.
He said though Nigeria has recorded progress in some areas, the pace of development remained slow and uneven.
According to him, certain sectors have moved forward, while others have experienced setbacks.
He noted that electoral reforms appeared to be regressing due to a growing culture of individualism rather than collective national interest.
Azuka said many Nigerians and political actors often prioritised personal gains over the common good.
He added that politicians have failed to learn important lessons from the nation’s history.
The NBA chairman, however, acknowledged that Nigerians are now better informed and more willing to ask critical questions.
He regretted that many citizens are still reluctant to take active roles in driving meaningful change.
According to him, Nigeria will continue to make little progress until citizens take centre stage in shaping the nation’s affairs.
The legal practitioner said unless Nigerians become more involved in governance and democratic processes, the country would remain trapped in rhetorics.
