Democracy: Nigeria and its Politics of Hypocrisy and Deception

Democracy is a system of government in which the government officials are elected into offices via a free and fair election. It is one of the types of political system. In general term, democracy is the government of the people(The Electorate) for the people(The Electorate) by the people(Elected few) (as defined by Abraham Lincoln).

Whereas, Politics is a Greek word politiká, meaning 'the affairs of the cities') is the set of activities that are associated with making decisions in groups, or other forms of power relations among individuals, such as the distribution of resources or status. Politics is the activities associated with the governance of a country or area, especially the debate between parties having power. Those who are involved in the politics are known as Politicians.

HISTORY
Prior to May 29, 1999, when General Olusegun Obasanjo was elected president, military had been ruling since 1966 with the exception of democracy between 1979 and 1983. Though there was a glimpse of true democracy in 1993, it was cancelled and halted by Ibrahim Babangida Military regime. Meanwhile democracy has been popular in Nigeria since 1999 till today.

OBJECTIVE OF DEMOCRACY
As defined by Abraham Lincoln, democracy is the government of the people, for the people and by the people. Going by this definition, the purpose of democracy is for the electorate to elect few who shall make decisions on their behalf for their benefits. The basics objectives of democracy is to create environment that respects human rights and fundamental freedoms, and in which the freely expressed will of people is exercised. Besides, rule of law is highly at play in a normal democratic country or nation.

POLITICIANS IN NIGERIA
In an ideal environment, politicians or contestants for any political office normally do larger proportions of what they promised during campaign. Meanwhile in Nigeria, they are fund of promising heaven and earth during campaign in preparation for the election. For instance, the current administration during the last presidential election campaign fooled people into believing that the price of pms will be astronomically reduced, that they will fight corruption, that there will be respect for fundamental human rights. However, the reverse is the case.

Meanwhile, another election is around the corner and these self-centered set of people have started cajoling people as usual. They have made it a normal scenario to sugar quote people in order to get what they wanted. This attitude is getting too much attention/popularity and even the upcoming politicians believe in the crusade of hypocrisy and deception.

For how long will this continue? What must the people do to change this mentality?