June 12: Broken bottle on our forehead, bludgeon on the back; democracy, is this your face?

Nigeria's Democracy Day, observed on June 12, prompts a critical reflection on the nation's democratic journey. The author recalls the year 2000 or 2001, attending a Presidential Media Chat at Aso Rock, Abuja, where President Olusegun Obasanjo engaged with select editors.

This historical context serves as a backdrop to question the current reality of Nigerian democracy. The piece uses a stark metaphor, "Broken bottle on our forehead, bludgeon on the back," to convey a sense of suffering and disillusionment. It asks if the current state of affairs truly represents the face of democracy that was fought for.

The author implies that the ideals of democracy, which should foster progress and well-being, are being undermined. The article urges a re-examination of democratic practices and a renewed commitment to the foundational principles that were meant to guide the nation toward a better future.