Obasanjo Says Western Democracy Has Failed Africa, Backs ‘Afro-Democracy’

Former Nigeria President Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday warned the proponents of parliamentary system of government to know that the project may not materialise immediately.

According to him, western democracy is not working for Africa and has not delivered.

He advocated a system of government known as Afro-democracy that will take into consideration the culture, tradition and ways of life of Nigerians and Africans.

His decision was sequel to the push by members of the House of Representatives for the reintroduction of the parliamentary system of government to reduce the high cost of governance in Nigeria.

Obasanjo made the suggestions during a meeting he had with former President Goodluck Jonathan and some of the legislators in Abuja, led by Kingsley Chinda held behind closed doors.

Other lawmakers at the meeting include Abdussamad Dasuki, Olawale Raji, Kabir Ibrahim Tukura, Abdullahi El-Rasheed, Umar Yusuf Yabo, Abdulmaleek Danga, Esosa Iyawe, Aliyu Aminu Garu and Shehu Dalhatu.

Others are Ibe Okwara Osonwa, Muhammed Bello Shehu, Maureen Gwacham, Joshua Audu Gana, Blessing Amadi, Engr M.B Jajere, Afam Victor Ogene and Kwamoti Laori.

The Hon Kingsley Chinda-led group had severally protested against the high cost of governance in Nigeria due to the presidential system of government, saying it has been the rationale behind the drive to change the system of government

Obasanjo who said western democracy had not delivered the best for nations, recommended a return to the African way of life.

The former President called for a system of government that is based on ideology.

He said, “Our problems started from the colonial masters. They gave us what they have. So, now you are taking the right step. (Rishi) Sunak is a Prime Minister (UK), who is not voted for. Even for them, liberal democracy is failing.

“Our constitution started on a faulty base. It’s a product of their culture and tradition. Western democracy has what is called opposition. They have loyal opposition because they are loyal to the monarchy. We had thriving Kingdoms. We rule ourselves with consensus. If you commit an abomination you will be punished.

“Let us look at our lives. Our lives are characterised or symbolised by communalism. If we now come back home, we will get it right. You can call it Afro-democracy not democracy of opposition. We can move and agree to the structure are we are going to put in place.

“There is the need for ideology. They change parties as women change wrappers. What are you going to do and it can be done and it must be done and that is what you are doing. If you do it well, we will have that critical mass.

“Something that encompasses our culture, our tradition our ways of life. You can call it Afro-democracy or whatever you call it. Let’s resource, let’s see debate, let’s dialogue. Don’t let them pervert our own culture and tradition.”

Obasanjo, however told the proponents of parliamentary system of government to know that the project may not materialise now.

He said, “What you are doing, don’t expect result tomorrow. If you expect results tomorrow. You may be disappointed. It may or may not happen in our lives but we need something authentically Africa.

“The same thing we are saying that western democracy is not working for us. It has not delivered. They are also taking a second look at it.”

Chinda said the legislators are concerned about the high cost of governance associated with the presidential system of government, hence the decision to tap from Obasanjo’s wealth of knowledge.

“We seek a home grown parliamentary system of government because we believe that the system we practice can get better. We are concerned about the high cost of governance in our country today. We talk about how to reduce the cost of governance. We want to tap from your wealth of knowledge and your support”, he said.

Friday Olokor, Abuja

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