Opinion

USA AS Preacher And Practitioner Of Democracy

Published

4 years ago

January 31, 2021

By: Abdulhakeem Abdulhakeem.

On the 7th of January 2021, I posted a statement that reads “For those African Scholars who always sees the USA as a role model when it comes to democracy, I believed with the recent happenings in the USA you would have a Rethink”, on one of the popular social media platform called FACEBOOK. To my greatest surprise, that statement generates lots of controversial comments from my colleagues in the pursuit of historical knowledge.

Their argument was that you can not use the attitude of an individual (Donald Trump) to undermine and criticize the Democratic dispensation of the USA. To them (My Colleagues), the USA has been in the past and still remains the best country when it comes to democratic practices. However, I intend to deconstruct their claims with this piece by presenting them with how the overrated USA is just a mere preacher but not a Practitioner of true democracy. In order to do so comprehensively, this piece will define the term Democracy as defined by some Scholars, brings out the soul of Democracy which is sovereignty along with it meaning, and lastly, show how the USA has betrayed Democracy by undermining the sovereignty of nation’s across the World.

To start with, Pennock in 1979, defines Democracy as a ” Government by the people, where liberty, equality, and fraternity are secured to the greatest possible degree and in human capacities are developed to the utmost, by means including a free and full discussion of common problems and interest”.

Finer in 1997 defines “Democracy as a state where political decisions are taken by and with the consent, or the active participation, of the majority of the people”.

Abraham Lincoln, defines “Democracy as Government of the people, by the people and for the people”.

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A careful examination of the above definitions by Scholars would put on your table the truthful reality of how significant Sovereignty is to democracy. The three definitions bring to light the continuous appearance of the noun ‘People’, and this simply means that Democracy is all about humanities. And for People to enjoy Democracy, they have to belong to a State, and the State has to possess a territory, and that territory has to be free from external control, no matter how little it is. And this is where Sovereignty comes in.

What then is Sovereignty?

The origin of the term “Sovereignty” goes back to the Westphalia Peace Treaty of 1648 A.D that ended the thirty years War in Europe ( Dr. USMAN LADAN Dept of history, ABU, 2018).

The objective of this treaty was to consolidate political authority within a distinct territory and stop the intervention of external actors in the structures of domestic political jurisdiction. As Dr. Usman Ladan rightly said, ” Under this system, borders clearly demarcated “Outside” from “Inside” and established the ultimate authority of State within its the domain.

Sovereignty was further made the powerhouse of Democracy when Democracy became the dominant form of the political system in World Politics. Hence, in a simple term, ‘Sovereignty means that a nation-State has power over its destiny without any form of interference.

Similarly, Sovereignty can be categorized into two: internal and external. Internal sovereignty implies that a State should have effective control over its territory while external sovereignty implies that the internal sovereignty of a State should be recognized and respected by other States that also possess sovereignty. With this little conceptualization of Sovereignty by this piece, one would have expected the USA to prove their worth as the “Best Practicing Democratic Nation” they have always claimed by honoring this powerful attribute of Democracy called “Sovereignty”. But unfortunately, the USA the preacher of Democracy failed woefully to uphold this powerful attribute of Democracy.

How then did USA failed to respect the Sovereignty of Nations??

Many Scholars have argued that the Cold war that began after the end of the Second World war in 1945, saw the aggressive undermining of the Nation’s sovereignty. And USA, a supposed “Best Practicing Democratic Nation” participated actively in undermining the sovereignty of nation’s.

One of those Scholars was Dr Usman Ladan, a lecturer in the department of history, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. He argues that the USA undermines the Sovereignty of West Germany and Japan during the era of the cold war through the postwar American military occupation. As a result of the forceful military occupation of Germany and Japan by USA, USA made both Countries dependent on Washington for their defense, controlled the flow of essential resources to each Countries, exercised leverage over their domestic policies, and wielded decisive influence over their global orientation. By these various actions exhibited by USA, it’s become a fact that the supposed “Best Practicing Democratic Nation” has betrayed Democracy to a large extent.

In the same faith, S.N Rath in 1964 argues in his article titled “National Sovereignty in the present day” published in the Indian Journal of Political Science, that the USA pledged its support to anticommunist insurgents and justified its backing of opposition movements throughout Central America.

This intention by USA became clear in Nicaragua ,a nation in Central America known for its Volcanic and Lakes features, where USA equipped and funded the ‘Contras’, a guerilla force, to overthrow the Sandinasta Government of Daniel Ortega. By doing so, USA has betrayed Democracy big time.

When the Cold war eventually ended, USA still continued to betray Democracy by undermining the sovereignty of Nations. The most discussed aspect of how the USA betrayed Democracy by undermining the Nation’s sovereignty after the Cold war by Scholars was that of Iraq.

According to Bruce R. Pirnie and Edward O. Connell in their article titled the “Overview of the conflict in Iraq”, they argues that ” The America invasion of Iraq goes back to the invasion of Kuwait by Saddam Hussein in 1990, after Kuwait refused to pay compensation for alleged illegal drilling of Iraqi oil, as demanded by Saddam Hussein. In response to the refusal of Kuwait to pay compensation, Saddam Hussein in turn invaded Kuwait and proclaimed it as the Nineteenth province of Iraq. In August, the United States and Saudi Arabia spearheaded the formation of Western and regional powers that drove out the Iraqi Invaders after five weeks of military attacks”.

As if that was not enough, in March 2002, President Bush Jnr disclosed to a group of US Senators that he was going to topple Saddam. Knowing the implications of such action, his secretary, Colin Powell, advised him to secure the approval of United Nations before taking military action against Saddam but he refused.

On 17th March, 2003, President Bush Jnr gave Saddam and his Sons a forty hours ultimatum to leave Iraq or face the consequences ( Bruce R. Pirnie and Edward O. Connell).

On the 19th of March, the illegal American invasion of Iraq began and on the 9th of April, the US Marine corps entered Baghdad. On 22nd July, US forces surrounded the house in Mosul where Sadam Sons Uday and Qusay were hiding and killed them in a two hours gun battle( Dr Usman Ladan, dept Of History, ABU,2018). On the 13th of December, US forces captured Saddam Hussein in a hideout near his home, before he was finally killed by, death by hanging by the Iraq Special Tribunal spearheaded by USA.

However, a critical assessment of the actions of USA in regards to the invasion of Iraq, will make you agree with me that USA has been the most undemocratic state when it comes to respecting the Soul of Democracy which is “Sovereignty”.

In conclusion, it is very pertinent for those Scholars who have derived joy in beating their chest like King Kong and saying that USA is the best practitioner of Democracy to have a Rethink.

As it is obvious that the USA is just preacher of Democracy but never a true practitioner, till this period. It should also be a wake-up call to all those Nigeria political pundits who are sitting passionately and expecting favors from Joe Biden’s new administration to wake up from their dreams and tell their Government the truth.

They should make African leaders know that there is no achievement like the one from within as it is the achievement from within that will pave the way significantly from any contributions that may come from outside.

Abdulhakeem Abdulhakeem, Department Of History, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria-Nigeria

Related Topics:Kano Nigeria United States

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Let President Tinubu Rename University of Lagos After Gowon, Not Abuja

Published

3 days ago

December 18, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Adnan Mukhtar Tudun Wada

I was not happy when Northwest University Kano was renamed to Yusuf Maitama Sule University, as student leaders of that University then, we followed the interest of the students who were also not happy with the renaming at that time for one reason; the renaming was politically motivated, to hurt the founder of the institution Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. I was busy mobilising students to protest, the next day I was invited to the DSS for questions where I spent hours and all the people we were mobilising the protest together ran and dissociated themselves from it. I have no option but to plead with the DSS to release me, assuring them that not a single student would protest the government’s action.

The renaming has affected many students who are seeking admission abroad; it’s Northwest University on my transcript and Yusuf Maitama Sule University on my certificate. This is kinda confusing and not good at all.

Politicians should immortalise individuals in their new projects not existing ones. The renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University is not good for the university’s alumni.

The President should have found a new project or built a new University by naming it after the former Head of State.

I don’t support the idea of playing politics by renaming our universities and this happens mostly in Nigeria.

Imagine waking up renaming the University of Maiduguri to Mohammed Goni University, Yobe State University to Ibrahim Geidam University, the University of Ibadan to Abiola Ajimobi University, the University of Lagos to Lateef Jakande University.

It will be bad for the alumni of the aforementioned universities to come across this.

Why is this only happening in Africa? Look at Makerere University in Uganda, it was established in 1920 but despite Yoweri Mosevenni’s long reign; he didn’t for once attempt to change it to even his name for selfish reasons.

He didn’t think of renaming the Entebbe International Airport after him but in Nigeria, we have this culture of renaming everything after individuals.

If you want to be immortalised, leave a lasting legacy as Gowon did in establishing NYSC. That enough is Okay and better than naming an institution after him.

President Tinubu should have renamed the University of Lagos after Gowon, not Abuja. I’m sure his people will reject this not for any reason but because of the large number of people that will be affected by it.

The University of Abuja Alumni were all crying over this painful decision.

Opinion

Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya: Champion of Civil Society and Good Governance in Northern Nigeria

Published

5 days ago

December 16, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, is an influential Civil Society figure in Kano State and Northern Nigeria. He is currently serving as the Executive Director, Citizens for Development and Education (CDE), he has dedicated many years of his civil society activism as advocate for the promotion of democracy, good governance, anti-corruption, peace building and women empowerment

Amb. Waiya, holds number of academic qualifications, including a Higher National Diploma in Public Administration from Kano State Polytechnic, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, Master’s in Public International Law at Maryam Abacha, American University, Maradi, and he is currently pursuing a doctor of philosophy at Skyline University, Kano in International Relations

In the course of his career, he held several positions and managed a number of projects. He served as the Director, Alhilal Foundation, from 2003 to 2007, an organization which focused on women empowerment, through basic literacy and skills acquisition. He later coordinated the North West Zonal Office of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Foundation. Amb. Ibrahim Waiya, led and coordinated a number of Local Government Councils Elections Observation missions across 19 Northern states.

In 2011, Waiya managed the Campaign against Drug Abuse under the auspices of Northern Youth Assembly, a youth driven platform with leadership structures in the Nineteen Northern States. He served as Secretary, for both, Kano State Stakeholders Committee on Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign and Kano State Stakeholders Committee on Anti-Child Abuse, a project which was coordinated by the office of the Special Adviser, Child Welfare and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. His involvement in election observation coordination missions and various public engagements, highlights his commitment to civic engagement towards community development, democracy and good governance

Waiya’s extensive experience includes free consultancy support services to numerous Government Ministries and Agencies such as: Kano State Ministry for Women Affairs and Social Development, Kano State Ministry for Community and Rural Development, office of the Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State on Child Welfare, Ministry for Special duties, office of the special adviser, joint security services. He has facilitated numerous training workshops and seminars, impacting his knowledge, skills, experience on the community, particularly for community based organizations

In recognition of his contributions, he was appointed to several key positions, such as the President, of the Kano Civil Society Forum, Chairman of the Conference of Northern States Civil Society Networks, Convener, Nigeria for Peace Project, Managing partner, United Nigeria Project, Head of Secretariat, Kano Peace Committee, Secretary General, National Action for Women Agenda,(NAWA), chairman, Board of Trustees, Northern Youth Assembly, (Majalisar Matasan Arewa) Fellow, Institute of Security and Strategic Studies, Fellow, Institute of International Peace and Secure Society, Fellow, Institute of Business Diplomacy and Financial Management, member, Commission of Inquiry on Missing persons, member, Implementation Committee, on the Recommendations of the Report of the Commission of inquiry on missing persons, member, Commission of Inquiry to investigate, various political violence and cases of missing persons, that occurred in the State from 2015 – 2023, member, Commission of inquiry to investigate protest, arson and destruction of public and private properties that occurred from 1st – 10th August, 2024 Amb. Waiya, served as Consultant on various government projects, such as: Kano State Security Trust Fund, Safe Corridor, Campaign against Drug Abuse, across the 44 Local Government Council Areas. Amb. Waiya”s active participation in peace building, policy advocacy and legislative reform has continued to impact positive change in Kano State, the North and Nigeria at large.

Opinion

“I Transition to PR and Digital Marketing to Transform Brands Globally” – Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah

Published

6 days ago

December 15, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

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As 2024 comes to a close, Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah reflects on his journey from journalism to public relations (PR) and digital marketing. With over a decade of experience in media and communications, Ibrahim’s transition was fueled by a desire to empower businesses—starting with Northern Nigeria but extending globally—to build impactful narratives and achieve sustainable growth.

“Every brand, regardless of location, deserves access to the tools and expertise needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced world,” Ibrahim says. “My goal has always been to bridge the gap in strategic communication, ensuring that no business is left behind.”

From Journalism to Strategic Communication

Ibrahim’s illustrious journalism career spans over a decade, during which he served as a Senior Reporter at TVC News, covering critical developments, including the Kano State Government House for three successive administrations. His work involved breaking major news stories, producing multimedia content, and engaging audiences through digital platforms.

“I’ve always been passionate about communication, but I realized I wanted to do more than report stories—I wanted to help brands craft their own,” Ibrahim shares. “That’s what led me to pivot into PR and digital marketing.”

To equip himself for this new journey, Ibrahim pursued advanced studies, earning a Master’s in Communication Studies and a Master’s in Public Relations from Bayero University, Kano. He further honed his expertise with a Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing from the London School of Business Administration and a Master Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Digital Marketing Skills Institute. These credentials underscore his commitment to mastering the art of strategic communication.

Empowering Brands Through Ayrah Media Concept

As the CEO of Ayrah Media Concept (AMC), Ibrahim leads a PR and creative agency that provides businesses with tailored solutions, including PR consulting, social media management, corporate campaigns, and digital marketing.

“My vision is to empower brands to connect with their audiences, tell compelling stories, and achieve global relevance,” Ibrahim explains. “Through AMC, we’re showing businesses—whether in Northern Nigeria or beyond—that they can reach new heights with the right strategies.”

In 2024, AMC worked on several impactful campaigns, including Ibrahim’s role as a Lead Consultant for the WOFAN-ICON2 project in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, where he developed and executed PR and communication strategies to amplify the project’s impact.

Changing Perceptions and Building Bridges

Transitioning into PR and digital marketing came with challenges, including shifting perceptions about its value.

“Many businesses see PR and digital marketing as optional rather than essential,” Ibrahim says. “But the results are transformative. Strategic communication is not just about visibility; it’s about building trust, credibility, and lasting connections with your audience.”

This philosophy drives Ibrahim’s approach, ensuring that businesses of all sizes—whether local startups or established corporations—can access high-quality PR and marketing services.

Looking Ahead

Ibrahim’s vision for the future extends far beyond regional boundaries. While his roots and passion lie in Northern Nigeria, his focus is on creating strategies that resonate globally.

“Brands in Kano, Lagos, Abuja, or even New York share a common goal: to connect with people and make an impact,” he says. “My mission is to ensure that every business, regardless of size or location, has the tools and strategies to achieve that.”

In 2025, Ibrahim plans to document his professional journey in a book that will explore his experiences as a journalist and PR expert, offering insights into the evolving landscape of communication and its role in business success.

A Message of Gratitude

As he reflects on the year, Ibrahim expresses his gratitude to those who have supported his journey. “I’m incredibly thankful to my mentors, collaborators, and clients who have believed in my vision. Together, we’ve shown that impactful communication has the power to transform lives and businesses.”

With a clear vision and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah is poised to lead the way in redefining PR and digital marketing, not just in Nigeria but across the globe.