Is Autocracy the Solution to Africa's Problems? My Honest Thoughts as a Nigerian
Hello my amazing Hivian family in the HiveGhana community
I hope everyone is doing great and pushing through life in the best way possible. It's always a pleasure to share thoughts with such a vibrant and thoughtful group of people
Now to this interesting and controversial topic, should African countries, especially ones like mine (Nigeria), consider adopting autocratic governance since democracy seems to be failing us?
To be very honest, I understand why this question is even being asked in the first place. If you’ve lived in Nigeria or any country where the system seems to be upside down, you’d know that frustration can push people into entertaining such thoughts. I mean, how do you explain a country so rich in resources yet struggling in every sector, power, education, healthcare, security, even food? It's heartbreaking
I’ve heard people say things like, “We need a military man to come back and straighten things up,” or “We need someone to rule with an iron hand because we don’t understand freedom.” And you know what? I don’t judge them. That’s pain talking. That's the voice of someone who has been failed too many times by leaders who only remember the people during elections
But here’s my take; I don’t think autocracy is the answer
Nigeria’s problem isn’t democracy. Our problem is the kind of people we’ve allowed into power, and the way we as citizens have become too passive, too comfortable with mediocrity, and too easily deceived by sweet campaign slogans. Every four years, it’s the same recycled promises. And every four years, we’re disappointed again
Autocracy might sound like a quick fix, one strong leader forcing things to work. But history has shown us how that often ends. Power corrupts. And absolute power? It destroys. We've seen it in many African countries. A man comes in with big visions, and before you know it, he's been in power for 25 years and can’t take criticism. People disappear for speaking their minds. Media gets silenced. Elections are no longer real
What we need in Africa is not a dictator. We need discipline, both from leaders and citizens. We need a working system where the law applies to everyone, not just the poor. We need institutions that are stronger than any man in office. We need citizens who won’t sell their votes for a ba. And we need to start holding our leaders accountable beyond social media rants
Democracy gives us the space to speak, to correct, to try again. Let’s not throw that away because of frustration. g of riceInstead, let’s fix what’s broken within the system. It may take time, but at least we won’t be silenced while we wait
Thanks so much for reading my thoughts, my fellow Hivians. I know not everyone will agree with me, and that’s okay. I believe it’s in these kinds of honest conversations that real change begins
Sending love and light to everyone here. Let’s keep pushing for a better Africa, not just in words, but in action
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Right, it wouldn't solve the root problem of the situation. I think a bit of radical changes are needed across the board, one that builds and reinforces better systems that the current failed systems that are still operated upon.
You do have a point,the kind of people that has come into power are selfish sets that's why the country is lacking
Yeah! we have selfish leaders, that's why our country is not progressing.
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This is a powerful piece. You have indeed summarised how many Africans feel especially Nigerians. Democracy isn't the actual problem but the leaders we vote into power and our complacency as citizens.