society
When Illiteracy Votes: How the Ignorance of the Majority is Destroying Nigerian Democracy
When Illiteracy Votes: How the Ignorance of the Majority is Destroying Nigerian Democracy.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester, Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
In every thriving democracy, the quality of governance reflects the quality of the electorate. In Nigeria, our democracy is sinking not because we lack resources, intelligence or capable hands; but because we allow ignorance to determine our future. The 2027 general elections are around the corner and if you dare ask the average Nigerian who they want as the next president and why, the responses will drain the last drop of faith you have in the democratic process. People name candidates not for their records or policies but for tribal, religious, monetary and emotional reasons. The reality? Idiots are electing leaders in Nigeria and the consequences are catastrophic. Let us not sugarcoat this: illiteracy is a cancer that has METASTASIZED into every organ of our democratic framework. According to the World Bank, as of 2022, the adult literacy rate in Nigeria stood at a mere 62% a figure that includes people with only the most basic ability to read and write. Functional illiteracy (the inability to process information critically, interpret data or understand policies) is even more widespread. These are the individuals who cheer for politicians that oppress them, who sell their votes for bags of rice, ₦5,000 or promises of boreholes and who chant tribal slogans instead of demanding policy debates; this is no longer POLITICS but DEMOCRATIC SUICIDE.
Tribalism Over Truth. A 2023 survey by NOIPolls revealed that 67% of Nigerian voters prioritize ETHNIC and RELIGIOUS affiliation over COMPETENCE when choosing CANDIDATES. This irrational preference has handed power to thugs, thieves and tyrants. In a true democracy, you vote for a vision. In Nigeria, we vote for a tribe. You hear ridiculous sentiments like: “He’s our brother; let him rule.”
“At least he’s a Muslim like us.”
“I don’t care if he’s corrupt, he’s from my state.”
These utterances are the ANTITHESIS of DEMOCRATIC-REASONING. As Femi Falana (SAN) once said, “Nigerians don’t vote based on issues. They vote based on who can deceive them the best.” How did we get here, really?
The Dangerous Cycle of Electoral Ignorance. Illiteracy is not just about schooling; it’s about understanding cause and effect. When people do not connect their suffering with the incompetence of those they elect, they are bound to repeat the same mistake. The 2023 elections are a prime example. Despite widespread disillusionment with the ruling party’s poor handling of the economy, insecurity and mass unemployment, many voters returned the same crop of politicians to power; mostly because of tokenism, tribal/religious appeals or vote buying. In the words of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie “We are governed by men and women who are not ashamed of their mediocrity. They are enabled by a populace that does not demand better.” This is what makes Nigerian democracy a tragicomedy.
A Democracy Hijacked by “Idiots”. The Greek philosopher Socrates once warned that “when you let the ignorant rule, the wise will suffer.” This has become Nigeria’s fate. The ancient Greek term for a person who refused to engage with civic affairs was “idiotes” the root word for ‘idiot’. Today, Nigerian idiots (people who neither understand the issues nor care about the outcomes) are the majority voters and they are electing people like themselves. These idiots see governance as entertainment, they prefer candidates who dance on podiums rather than those who present detailed policies and would rather vote for a TikTok celebrity than a technocrat with a Ph.D. in public administration. The electoral process has been reduced to a popularity contest that is devoid of ideology or substance.
The Educated Are Watching in Silence. There is also the criminal silence of the educated class, many of whom have retreated into cynicism or left the country altogether. Nigeria loses over 20,000 professionals annually to brain drain, according to the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA). While the ignorant elect, the intelligent escape and those who stay often detach themselves from politics, saying things like “POLITICS is DIRTY” or “MY VOTE DO NOT COUNT.” Politics will never be clean until clean people participate. The apathy of the enlightened is just as dangerous as the activism of the ignorant. Prof. Pat Utomi aptly put it, “the educated elite in Nigeria have failed to take responsibility for the direction of the country.”
From Poverty to Political Slavery. It is not hard to see the connection between poverty and political illiteracy. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported in 2023 that 133 million Nigerians live in multi-dimensional poverty. Poor people are easier to manipulate, they do not ask hard questions, but for handouts; the politicians know this and exploit it expertly. A 2022 report by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) found that vote buying increased by 37% in the last two election cycles. That’s not just corruption; it’s a TRANSACTIONAL DEMOCRACY where voters mortgage their futures for INSTANT GRATIFICATION.
How do you explain to a starving man the dangers of voting for a kleptocrat when that kleptocrat just gave him ₦5,000, a bottle of beer
& a meal? Poverty has become the greatest weapon of the corrupt.
The Media: Amplifiers of Stupidity. Instead of enlightening the masses, much of the Nigerian media has become a tool for propaganda and distraction. Reality TV shows, celebrity gossip and political dancing contests dominate headlines, while investigative journalism is SUPPRESSED or UNDERFUNDED. Political discourse has been replaced by noise. Nigerians know more about “BBNaija” than they do about the CONSTITUTION, we know more about Wizkid’s latest album than BUDGET ALLOCATIONS, how then do we expect an informed electorate?
Hope Lies in Political Education. If Nigeria is to be saved from democratic collapse, political education must become a national emergency. Civic literacy should be integrated from primary schools to tertiary institutions and Churches, Mosques, Community centres must dedicate time to teaching the importance of issue-based voting, accountability and constitutional rights. Groups like Enough is Enough Nigeria, BudgIT and Yiaga Africa have made commendable efforts in this regard, but they cannot do it alone. We need a mass mobilization of minds. As Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala once said, “We must break the chain of mediocrity in leadership and that begins with informed voting.” We Must Elect COMPETENCE not COMPANIONSHIP, we must learn to elect LEADERS not RELATIVES, we must elect PEOPLE who can fix ROADS, not those who attend our TOWN MEETINGS, we must look beyond RELIGIOUS GARMENTS, ETHNIC ACCENTS and VOTE for MANIFESTO, TRACK-RECORDS and CHARACTER.
A DEMOCRACY where 80% of voters choose candidates based on RELIGION, TRIBE or MONEY is not a DEMOCRACY, it is a ritual of collective self-destruction. Unless we change course, 2027 will be yet another chapter in Nigeria’s book of democratic disasters.
Final Words: Wake Up or Stay Chained. As I write this, the list of 2027 presidential hopefuls is already bloated with COMEDIANS, OLD-WARHORSES, RECYCLED-FAILURES & TRIBAL-WARLORDS. If we do not change the criteria we use to choose them, the outcome will not change either. The truth is bitter: Nigeria’s democracy is being sabotaged by ILLITERACY, TRIBALISM, POVERTY and WILLFUL-IGNORANCE. Unless we start voting with our brains instead of our bellies, the dream of a better Nigeria will remain exactly that…a dream. The future does not belong to those who wait for change; It belongs to those who EDUCATE, PARTICIPATE and AGITATE for it.
Written by George Omagbemi Sylvester
Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
Alleged Manipulation of Defilement Case Sparks Call for Review of Legal Advice in Lagos
By Ifeoma Ikem
A legal controversy has emerged in Lagos following a petition seeking a review of a legal advice issued in a case involving two female teachers accused of negligence in a child injury incident at a nursery school in Ikorodu.
The petition, submitted by Crown Cannan Attorneys, urges the Lagos State Ministry of Justice to reconsider the legal advice issued on September 16, 2022, in the case titled Commissioner of Police vs. Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba and Rukayat Lawal.
Addressed to the former Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo, the application argues that the legal advice may have been influenced by what the petition describes as a “deliberate manipulation of facts.”
According to counsel representing the defendants, the allegations stem from an incident that allegedly occurred on October 26, 2021, at Great Kezino Nursery and Primary School located in the Adamo area of Ikorodu, Lagos.
The defendants, Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba, 26, and Rukayat Lawal, 24, were reportedly the class teacher and assistant class teacher respectively in charge of a Nursery One class where the incident occurred.
Court documents indicate that a three-year-old pupil, identified as Victim A, was reportedly injured after another pupil allegedly pierced a pencil into her private part during school hours.
The prosecution claims the incident occurred due to the failure of the teachers to exercise adequate care and supervision over the children under their custody.
Based on this allegation, the two educators were charged with negligence under Section 252 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, which addresses acts that may cause harm through lack of proper care.
The defendants were subsequently arraigned before Magistrate Court No. 2 in Ikeja on April 19, 2022, where they faced a one-count charge relating to the incident.
During the investigation conducted at the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command in Ikeja, several civil society groups reportedly monitored the proceedings.
Among them were representatives of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) and other non-governmental organizations.
These groups reportedly raised concerns about what they described as a growing tendency to weaponise allegations of child abuse in ways that could unfairly damage reputations and careers.
In its petition, the defence team argued that the case deserves a fresh review to ensure that justice is served based on verified facts rather than assumptions or public pressure.
They urged the Ministry of Justice to carefully reassess the legal advice and the circumstances surrounding the investigation to determine whether the prosecution should proceed as currently framed.
Legal observers say the outcome of the requested review could determine the next stage of the case and may also highlight broader concerns about investigative procedures and child protection cases within the justice system.
Reacting to a viral social media post by Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba, who claimed she might be jailed for defilement, the head teacher of Great Kezino Nursery and Primary School, Mrs. Edaolaropin Toyin, provided the school’s account of events.
According to her, the pupil identified as Victim A was enrolled in the Nursery One class on September 20, 2021, which had about 15 pupils.
She explained that on October 26, 2021, the pupil was transported home on the school bus after closing hours and handed over to her father around 4:30 p.m.
“Later that night, the pupil’s mother allegedly contacted the head teacher, claiming her daughter cried while bathing and alleged that a male classmate, Victim B, had inserted a pencil into her private part during school hours,” she said.
The school, however, rejected the allegation, maintaining that no such incident occurred while the child was in its custody.
“The following morning, the teacher visited the pupil’s home, where the father reportedly denied the mother’s account of the incident,” Toyin added.
She said the situation escalated later that day when the child’s parents arrived at the school with police officers from Imota Police Station demanding that the alleged male classmate be produced.
The head teacher further stated that the school management had supported Tobiloba throughout the legal process.
“Since the incident happened, the school management has never stopped supporting Tobiloba’s welfare until last year when she sent a WhatsApp message saying she was no longer interested in the court matter, claiming she had relocated to Ibadan,” she said.
She described the claims currently circulating on social media as “defamatory narratives.”
*GEN CG MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE MOURNS FALLEN HEROES AND URGES UNITY IN SECURITY SUPPORT
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative (GCGMSI) expresses its heartfelt condolences to His Excellency Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Grand Patron of the Initiative, and the families of the fallen heroes who courageously lost their lives in a recent attack by ISWAP in Konduga, Marte, Jakana, and Dalori in Borno State, northeast Nigeria. Among the tragic losses were three senior military commanders: Major U.I. Mairiga, Lt-Col Umar Faruq, and Lt-Col S.I. Iliyasu, who dedicated their lives to the service of our nation.
The GCGMSI implores the public to continue supporting our security agencies, emphasizing that the safety and security of our nation is a collective responsibility. Every day, our security forces pay the ultimate price to safeguard our country. We urge the public to remain supportive, pray for their success, and refrain from politicizing the security challenges we face.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Convener, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, which has been made available to the press. The statement highlights the initiative’s profound concern for the losses sustained by our security personnel and reflects on the broader security situation in Nigeria.
In his unwavering commitment to addressing the insecurity plaguing our nation, the Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa, has consistently engaged in urgent meetings with service chiefs, reinforcing strategic plans to combat threats and enhance national security. His leadership and decisive actions demonstrate a dedication to restoring peace and stability across our regions, ensuring a safer environment for all Nigerians.
society
SECURITY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: BACKING OUR MINISTER OF DEFENCE GEN. CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA OFR
SECURITY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: BACKING OUR MINISTER OF DEFENCE GEN. CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA OFR
By Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani
In these challenging times, it is essential for all Nigerians to rally behind our leaders, particularly His Excellency Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, the Minister of Defence. The security of our nation is not a matter to be taken lightly or politicized. Gen. Musa, recognized for his unwavering dedication and sacrifice, has served our country commendably throughout his life.
Following the recent reshuffle of service chiefs by President Asiwaju Bola Ahamed Tinubu GCFR, which resulted in Gen. Musa’s retirement as Chief of Defence Staff, many voiced their concerns. Yet, upon his appointment as Minister of Defence, there was a renewed sense of hope among the populace. Gen. Musa has embraced his role with an unwavering commitment, often sacrificing his rest to ensure the safety and security of our great nation.
While it is undeniable that Nigeria faces security challenges, we must approach these issues with unity rather than division. It is crucial to recognize that those who politicize our national security are often those who have not contributed positively to the success of our security agencies. Instead of spreading negativity, we should support Gen. Musa in his mission to restore peace and stability.
To achieve our collective goal of a secure Nigeria, we must provide Gen. Musa with the trust he deserves. His vision and determination, paired with our support and prayers, can pave the way to overcoming the challenges we face. It’s time for every Nigerian to put aside political differences and work together for the common good. Let us have faith in our leaders and trust in Gen. Musa’s ability to steer our nation towards safety and security.
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