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Opinion

USA AS Preacher  And Practitioner Of Democracy

Published

4 years ago

on

Abdulhakeem Abdullateef

 

 

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”.

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

Five Largest  USA zoos Are Located Within The City

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

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Opinion

Gov. Yusuf’s executive order extending retirement age for HoS, Kano Assembly Clerk, and others unconstitutional

Published

2 days ago

on

February 5, 2025

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Sani Usman-DanAbdullo, a Director of Admin and General Services at the Kano State Agency for the Control of Aids, KSACA, has written to the state assembly, seeking its intervention in the
Executive Order issued by Governor Abba Yusuf.

Mr DanAbdullo, in a petition dated January 6 and addressed to Speaker of the Assembly, Jibrin Ismail Falgore, recalled that the governor had in January 2025 issued Executive Order No. 1 of 2025, extending the service period of some civil servants.

According to him, the governor extended the service year of the Head of Service, Assembly Clerk, some judicial officers, Permanent Secretaries and a host of other staff in the state health sector for 2 years after they were due for retirement as of December 2024.

The lawyer also recalled that the state assembly had enacted a law fixing the retirement of staff at 60 years of age or 35 years of service, depending on whichever comes first.

Mr DanAbdullo, therefore, asserted that the governor’s executive order was unconstitutional, “since the House has already made laws which the order seeks to alter”.

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He noted that that executive order is not meant to alter, amend, modify or expand the law made by the legislature.

“This act, is, therefore, a clear violation of the principles of rule of law and separation of powers enshrined in our Constitution being not only a clear attempt to usurp the legislative powers of this Honourable House, but to contradict the existing laws already enacted by it in exercise of its powers as such,” the petition added.

While dismissing a claim that the governor issued the order in the spirit of the Doctrine of Necessity, Mr DanAbdullo said there was no justification for extending the service years of the affected retired officers since there are many competent hands with adequate qualifications to be appointed.

“And as for the staff in the health sector, they can be retained on contract arrangement in line with the existing service law of Kano State,” the petition added.

Mr DanAbdullo, therefore, warned that the provisions of the Constitution must not be subordinated to any other law, and must not be subjected to the indignity of deletion of any section or part thereof.

“In view of the foregoing, I urge this esteemed House to employ all legal mechanism at its disposal to overrule the Governor’s decision in the act complained of, which is capable of setting a very dangerous precedent that will ruin the entire public service system of our dear State, if allowed.

“TAKE NOTICE Sir, this act of indiscriminate issuance of executive order, if allowed, will cause the entire Kano State the following catastrophic effects,”

The State Assembly failed to attend to the petition even if it means dismissing it for fear of the governor, if the petition is not attended to we will have no option but to go to court”. He added

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Opinion

The Movement (Tafiyar Matasa) and the Very Big Questions to Answer

Published

3 days ago

on

February 4, 2025

By

Comr. Habu Hassan Abdullahi

Comr. Habu Hassan Abdullahi

Yes, I am not some sort of social critic who would unfairly denigrate someone’s achievement for personal gain or political interest that I do not have. Thus, this is pre-eminently the right time to speak the truth to the members of my generation in Nigeria whether they care to accept it or not. But remember the truth is always truth and can stand alone.

No doubt that not everyone is happy with how leadership is running in this country, with the exception of those at the corridor of power. But this is not enough to be a raison d’etre to handle our dear nation to the hands of inexperienced youths. Forgive my pen for the use of “inexperienced”. Just because most of them have never been to real leadership. Of course, I am myself opposed to the exclusionary habit of the present politicians, they’ve relegated youths to the mantle of power but we have to cautiously control our faculty of thinking to avoid getting entangled in a lust for power.

I was very happy when I heard the idea of “The Movement” known as “Tafiyar Matasa” in the Hausa language. And of course, the genesis of the movement was attributed to the unavoidable “EndBadGovernance” protest of 1st August, 2024. The movement began immediately after the protest, in fact, it is one of the noticeable outcomes of the protest due to the unity it brought. The idea of the movement was preached and promoted by some prominent northern activists and social media influencers to serve as a last resort to the youths in their effort to bring good governance. No one can deny the fact this is a laudable effort. But the very big question supposed to be asked here is: youthfulness is the only parameter and yardstick to measure the caliber of a good leader? If yes, why Yahaya Bello (Former Governor of Kogi) and Abdurrasheeed Bawa (former EFCC Boss) were arraigned for looting the public treasury! The point I want to make here is, being young or old will not be a determining factor for an individual to be a good leader. We can have corrupt leaders within any range of age.

Another important issue to take into cognizance is the failure of some youths to comprehend the logic and existing distinction between being a good activist and being a good leader. Leadership is quite different from activism, therefore, a good activist may not necessarily be a good leader. It is common knowledge that the conveners of this important movement lack practical leadership acumen and organizational skills that are fundamental for successful leadership. Okay, should we handle our future to the trial and error leaders? We have to exercise extraordinary care when it comes to leadership.

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Yet another problem faced by this movement is financial constraints. To be sincere and frank, the quantum resources required to run a great national political movement like this oversizes the pockets of the conveners. Another organic question to ask here is: where the movement conveners can solicit humongous financial resources? From the politicians they are castigating? If yes, this is performative contradiction!

Finally, I would like to remind my fellow youths that new breed, as the late Yusuf Maitama said, cannot solve the Nigerian problem. There must be mutual cooperation and understanding between the new breed and old breed. We must work together with them to acquire all necessary experience, knowledge, and practical leadership skills.

Written by
Comr. Habu Hassan Abdullahi
From Bayero University, Kano
Department of Education
Contact via 07065941454 or habu92hassan@gmail.com

 

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Opinion

Time to Move on at the University of Abuja

Published

3 days ago

on

February 3, 2025

By

 

By Alabi Lut

In the past four months, the University of Abuja has been in the news over the appointment of a substantive vice-chancellor. Controversies and disagreements surrounding such appointments are not necessarily unexpected, particularly in a university situated in the Federal Capital Territory, near the seat of power. What is unusual and unnecessary, however, is that those who feel aggrieved that they or their preferred candidates were not appointed have refused to wake up to the reality of Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi’s leadership. Instead of accepting the decision, they have continued their attacks on the University and the person of the Vice-Chancellor.
Despite these persistent attacks, Professor Maikudi has continued to receive accolades and congratulatory messages from both within and outside the University community. The University Senate, which comprises Deans, Academic Directors, Heads of Departments, and Professors, has congratulated her as well and thrown its weight behind her leadership by passing a vote of confidence in the Chairman of the Governing Council, Air Vice Marshal Saddiq Ismaila Kaita. This should send a strong message to the small clique of dissenters that she is well accepted.
What is even more significant is that the management of the University and the Vice-Chancellor herself have refused to be distracted by this orchestrated smear campaign. Instead, the vice chancellor has remained focused on academic and administrative activities to ensure the growth and development of the institution.

One of the major events on the University’s calendar is the upcoming matriculation ceremony. Following a commendable admission exercise, thousands of newly admitted students are set to be officially welcomed into the university this week. For these students and their parents, guardians, this ceremony will be quite memorable to them.
Also, the University has already scheduled its 29th convocation ceremony for this month. It will be a momentous occasion for students who have successfully completed their academic programmes and are now set to graduate.

Since assuming office, Professor Maikudi has met with virtually all key stakeholders to give them a sense of belonging. She appreciates the importance of bringing the University community together to actualise her vision and move the University forward. Her appointment continues to resonate with the whole world. No wonder that on Friday 31st December 2025, when she turned 42, she was celebrated as that leader who means a lot to the University community. At the occasion which attracted great personalities, including the governor of her home state, Katsina, Dikko Umar Radda; Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, and former governor and speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Bello Masari, and other prominent personalities, one guest noted jocularly, “Maikudi shouldn’t be celebrated just because she’s now Vice-Chancellor or because she’s hit the big 4-2. She should be celebrated because she’s got the brains to take the university to greater heights—and let’s be honest she is beautiful too!”
Managing a tertiary institution, especially a big one like the University of Abuja, is no small task. Established in 1988, the University has come a long way, still it has much ground to cover in terms of infrastructure and academic development.
While past leaders played their own part, there is no doubt that more work needs to be done. I think the University community understands this as well as the vice-chancellor.
At a recent town hall meeting with student leaders, Maikudi was met with both congratulatory messages and pressing demands. The students, while pledging their support, shared their various expectations, which included need for increased hostel accommodation and transportation. Indeed, the current demand for hostels far exceeds available space, and many have had to seek alternatives. However, her promise to expand accommodation facilities through public-private partnerships has given a lot of hope to both students and staff.
The need to revise the university’s academic calendar is another crucial task. Disruptions caused by previous Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strikes and the COVID-19 pandemic have left the institution struggling to maintain a stable academic schedule. Thankfully, the University Senate took a welcomed decision for a structured, well-maintained calendar that will help the smooth running of academic programmes in the coming years.
One of the biggest challenges that will face the administration of Maikudi will be funding. Like most Nigerian public universities, the University of Abuja operates on a lean budget. The issue of inadequate funding is compounded by other challenges, such as encroachment on the university’s over 11,000 hectares of land.
However, Professor Maikudi is no stranger to leadership. She has steadily risen through the ranks—from being a Head of Department to Deputy Dean of Law, Director of the University’s International Centre, then Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Acting Vice-Chancellor — to become the substantive Vice-Chancellor. Her experience so far means she understands the University’s workings inside out, and this puts her at a vantage position to handle its challenges effectively. As an administrator with impressive networking skills, the issue of funding particularly should be well mitigated.
At this point, those who remain opposed to her appointment should acknowledge her competence and level of preparedness, and accept that it is time to move forward. Sure, leadership comes with its fair share of obstacles, and history has shown that great leaders often face certain resistance before achieving success. Perhaps the opposition she has encountered so far are simply part of the journey meant to fortify her and edge her toward changing the University of Abuja for the better.
One of her key strategies, which has been widely welcomed, is working with a new team of competent individuals who can help her achieve her vision. The recent appointment of Abubakar Sadiq Abba as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) by the University Senate is praiseworthy. Abba, a professor of political science will hold this position for another two years and will be expected to help the vice chancellor, along with other management members, towards realising the strategic objectives of her administration.
The University of Abuja needs at this moment, a leader like Professor Maikudi to move it beyond the present point. Now is the time to focus on building a stronger, more vibrant University of Abuja. And she deserves every support to actualise this vision.
Those who have resisted her leadership must now recognise the need to collaborate in this important journey. There can be hardly any progress without unity. The University, its students, and the broader academic community stand to benefit far more from such a collaborative approach than from continued division.

 

Alabi Lut writes from No 42B Federal Housing Lugbe, Abuja.

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