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By Daniel Kanu
Sylvester Odion-Akhaine is Professor of Political Science, Lagos State University (LASU) and 2005 Standford University Fellow on Democracy Development and the Rule of Law.
He is also the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Centre for Constitutionalism and Demilitarization.
In this encounter, he raised concerns with the Tinubu Presidency, the destruction of Nigeria by the last regime of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, which he described as disastrous and age of darkness, insecurity, and tax bill reform, among other crucial issues. Excerpt:
One can recall you once saying that Nigerians must protect their democracy and, with the benefits of hindsight, do you still stand on your views?
For me, I cannot advocate a re-version to autocracy. It is always better for people to be governed by the rule of law. Our democracy will work if our governing class plays by the rules of the game. The country is run by a virulent and irresponsi-ble elite fixated to self-aggrandize-ment. Democracy ought to be about people objectified as the state. But I must say democracy has it’s con-tradictions. It is not perfect. It is invariably renewed by the people as its focus.
As a lecturer of political science, are you satisfied with the way democracy is being practised today in Africa and Nigeria in particular. What are your suggestions?
Commitment to the rules of the game is required or desirable. The problem of our democracy is not the regime type, that is, liberal democ-racy, but the deliberate subversion by the governing elite. J. J. Rousseau provided a solution to the riddle of general will. Those invested with the power to govern are interim wielder of sovereignty. The people can always recall them when they become aimless and irresponsible.
Since the coming of APC to Aso Rock in 2015, will you say Nigeria and Nigerians have had the best?
The facts are there. They are in-controvertible except those aiming at political correctness. Buhari’s ad-ministration was a disaster. It was the age of darkness for Nigeria. Pres-ident Tinubu needs to clear Buhari’s rot. It will not be easy. The political class is too corrupt to bring about meaningful change.
Let’s look at Bola Tinubu’s 19-months in office. How would you score him in the handling of the economy vis a vis the revitalization of our moribund refineries, hike in essential commodities, electricity, cost of foods, etc?
The news about the refinery is still controversial. If it is true that they are now up and running, he deserves some accolades. The big difference really is the Dangote Refinery. As for the price of goods and services, they are choking the poor people who must be allowed to breathe. The level of poverty today is a threat to our democracy. Mr. Pres-ident must commit class suicide to solve substantially the problems be-setting the country.
What’s your take on the tax reform bills sent by the president to the National Assembly and its effect on funding of education in Nigeria?
It’s nothing, but fiscal restructur-ing. Despite some pockets of opposi-tion, tax reform has logic and makes economic sense. It will wean us off the Dutch disease and the palpable greed in the polity. But the president must not lump TETFund with NELFund, it will be counter-productive for education, especially tertiary institutions.
In the area of insecurity, what advice do you have for Mr. President?
Political will. He needs the po-litical will to deal with the source of the crisis. His Chief of Defence Staff seems to be doing well. The greatest problem in dealing with insecurity is the presence of the fifth columnist.
How do you think hardship and penury can be reduced to it barest minimum in the country?
Production and production. In-creased productivity will unleash the best in our workforce. Nigeria has automarket for its production due to our huge population. Mech-anised farming combined with harnessing peasant production will nudge us towards self-reli-ance.
How would you describe a typical Nigerian politician, you have always been critical about them?
Greedy and Self-centred with very few exceptions. Development is nev-er on his or her agenda, but looting of the common till. It is tragic for the country.
English (US) ·