Donald Duke, the former governor of Cross River State and presidential candidate for the Peoples Redemption Party, has asserted that Nigerians were better off under military rule than in the current civilian governance system. In a recent interview, Duke criticized 27 years of civilian leadership, stating it has not improved the welfare of citizens and has introduced considerable costs.
“The people were better off under the military. At least governance was not that expensive,” Duke remarked, emphasizing that the assessment should focus on the tangible benefits experienced by citizens since the return to democracy in 1999. He questioned whether Nigeria has really progressed since then, citing the lack of improvements in education and healthcare, and worsening infrastructure.
Duke highlighted persistent issues such as electrification and unemployment that have remained unresolved since before the country’s transition to democracy. He expressed frustration over the absence of a structured approach to tackle these challenges, noting that solutions can be learned from other nations.
He also pointed to a weakened opposition and an ineffective political system that often fails to reflect the will of the people in election outcomes, resulting in public disenchantment with the democratic process. “Most people don’t vote because they believe their votes don’t count,” he explained.
Furthermore, he described the current democratic system as a façade, arguing that neither the legislature nor the judiciary effectively check executive power, leading to a lack of accountability.
Duke criticized the elite for relinquishing their influence over political affairs to individuals who treat governance as a permanent position. He warned that the growing divide between rich and poor poses a serious threat to social stability in Nigeria.
He lamented that despite Nigeria’s vast resources, the nation is still facing grave challenges, concluding that it is disheartening to see the country struggling given its potential.
