Precious Nwonu
Social entrepreneur, consultant and diplomat, Chukwuma Ephraim Okenwa, has identified weak institutions and the exploitation of ethnic and religious differences by politicians as major challenges undermining Nigeria’s democracy.
Okenwa made the observation during a panel discussion at the sixth edition of the Frontier Discourse Annual Public Lecture Series and Awards, organised by Pacesetter Frontier Magazine at Merit House, Maitama, Abuja.
Speaking on the country’s leadership and democratic challenges, he said Nigeria needed institutions capable of protecting the Constitution and prioritising the interests of citizens above political and sectional considerations.
He argued that the country’s divisions had made it difficult for citizens to develop a shared sense of national interest, creating opportunities for politicians to exploit differences for political advantage.
Okenwa, however, cautioned against blaming politicians alone, noting that politicians across the world were driven by the desire to win elections and retain power.
“Every politician across the globe wants to win at all costs,” he said.
He explained that the major difference between political systems was not necessarily the conduct of politicians but the strength of institutions responsible for checking their excesses and ensuring compliance with constitutional provisions.
Using the United States as an example, Okenwa referred to the composition of its Supreme Court, noting that political affiliations among judges did not automatically prevent institutions from performing their constitutional responsibilities.
He maintained that although no political system was perfect, functional institutions could help strengthen democracy and protect citizens’ interests.
“There is no perfect or ideal system anymore. But I dare to say that there are working systems that can be made possible through institutions,” he said.
He stressed the need for Nigeria to build institutions that could independently defend the country’s Constitution and ensure that political interests did not undermine democratic governance.
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