By Henry Uche
Following the economic deprivation ravaging the country, former Director of National Broadcast Academy (NBA), the training arm of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Ikeja, Lagos, Engr.(Dr) Ajibola Abiola, in this interview said apathy of citizens to governance in a democratic setting is very dangerous for the polity.
Among the reasons put forward as the causes of Nigeria’s economic woes & deprivation, what worries you most?
Apathy of Nigerians to governance is my main worry as it has dire implications and consequences for Democracy.
In 2023 Nigeria General Elections, less than 27 million people voted out of a gross population of about 220 million people. This means that about 12% of the entire population participated in the Democratic Exercise. This is dangerously too low for democracy to thrive.
How can we fix this?
A good and sensitive government should not be satisfied with this. It should seek to find out the root causes and make sincere efforts to make amends.
What are those implications of citizens apathy to governance in a democracy?
It weakens democracy. Citizen apathy can lead to a weakened democracy. When citizens are disengaged and indifferent towards governance, it creates a power imbalance where a small number of individuals or groups can influence decision-making without being held accountable. This undermines the fundamental principles of democracy, such as equal representation and public participation.
Lack of accountability. Apathy among citizens can result in a lack of accountability for politicians and government officials. When citizens are not actively engaged in monitoring and questioning the actions of those in power, it creates opportunities for corruption, misuse of resources, and unethical behavior. Without citizens’ oversight, there is a higher risk of public officials acting in their own interests rather than in the best interest of the public.
Policy Misalignment. Citizen apathy can lead to policies that do not align with the needs and aspirations of the general population. When citizens are not actively participating in the democratic process, their voices and concerns are overlooked, resulting in policies that are disconnected from the reality and priorities of the people. This can lead to a lack of effective solutions to societal problems and an erosion of public trust in governance.
Inequality and Injustice. Apathy among citizens can perpetuate social and economic inequality. When individuals do not actively engage in governance, it can lead to policies and decisions that favor the interests of the privileged few, exacerbating existing inequalities. Apathy can also result in a lack of advocacy for marginalized groups and perpetuate social injustices.
Missed opportunities for positive change: Citizen apathy can hinder progress and positive change. When citizens are not actively involved in the democratic process, it limits the potential for new ideas, innovative solutions, and diverse perspectives to shape governance. Apathy can prevent the exploration of alternative approaches and inhibit the development of a more inclusive and responsive society.
Way forward
It is important to address citizen apathy in governance to ensure a thriving democracy. Encouraging citizen engagement, promoting transparency, providing accessible information, and creating opportunities for meaningful participation can help counter the implications of apathy and foster an active and informed citizenry.
But some Nigerians feel muted in all these
We can continue to pretend that we are governed by good people but one thing is sure, wasteful leadership cannot make prudent investment in any setting.