The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, addressed the challenges facing democracy in Nigeria during a 2024 Democracy Day event hosted by Covenant Nation in Lagos. Kukah highlighted that unlike Europe, where democratic principles were shaped by the philosophies of thinkers like Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle, Nigeria’s democracy lacks a foundation rooted in its own historical, cultural, and anthropological experiences.
He emphasized the influence of figures like St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas on modern liberal democracy, noting that even global leaders like Joe Biden reference these thinkers. Kukah suggested that Nigeria’s democracy is in decline because it does not resonate with the country’s unique societal context.
Kukah also criticized the myopic focus of Nigerians on short-term political gains rather than long-term planning. He observed that while global economic challenges affect Nigeria, mismanagement exacerbates the impact. The bishop pointed out that Nigerian legislators often prioritize personal benefits and foreign travels over their legislative duties, contributing to financial indiscipline and a reliance on extensive borrowing for developmental projects.
