PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY IN NORTH CENTRAL

NIGERIA
 WHAT IS DEMOCRACY.
Democracy is etymologically derived from two Greek words,
Demos, meaning ‘people’ and kratein meaning ‘to rule’. It means
rule of the people. Abraham Lincoln classically defined it as
“government of the people, by the People and for the people”.
Strictly speaking, government by all the people Should mean
unanimous decisions in the welfare of the people (Sabine and
Thorson, 1973). But this of course, is impossible in political
matters. Lincoln’s Addition of “government for the people”, in
Rousseau’s Theory of the General will, Means the decisive view,
which invariably must be that of the majority and Should seek to
serve the interest of all, even though it does not have the
Agreement of all (Raphael, 1976). Aristotle defines democracy as
“the rule of Many for the good of the poor” as opposed to
oligarchy, which asserts “the rule Of the few for the good of the
wealthy”. Aristotle makes this contrast to indicate The intrinsic
character of the two polities: whereas in oligarchy, the rulers are
few Because there are only few people who are wealthy, in
democracy there are Many because liberty is enjoyed by all alike
(Aristotle, 1981: III, v. 7). Democracy Means “a system of
government where people organize and realize their wishes
Through the instrument of the law they have made for
themselves” (Njoku, 2002). The assumed relationship between
participatory democratically elected leaders And the citizens is
based on reciprocity. As such the people make the laws
Themselves and the binding force of this law can only be realized
when the People participate actually in the making of these laws,
rather than in just Delegating people to do this on their behalf. It is
not the Questions of how many political parties exist or partake in
government but most Essentially how they, together with other
public institutions function and how Are the basic democratic
values demonstrated? These values (of democracy Include)
freedom, equality, justice, self-responsibility, accountability,
openness And transparency in government; and these values
distinguish democracy from Other political ideas and forms of
government. Plato describes the ends of Democracy as freedom,
equality and variety(Horowitz, 2003). But he criticizes Democracy
precisely because these loading features namely, freedom,
equality, justice, self-responsibility, openness and transparency
are not always obtainable. Freedom in the sense of “doing what
you like” is attractive but it cannot last, and It is further less
desirable than doing the right thing. Plato further opines that,
Equality is wrong because it goes against nature; men are
unequal in their Capacities and should be given different functions
in accordance with their Different capacities (Plato, 1987)
TYPES OF DEMOCRACY
There are several types of democracy, including:
1. *Direct Democracy*: Citizens make decisions directly, either
by voting on laws or policies or by participating in
deliberative forums.
2. *Representative Democracy*: Citizens elect representatives
to make decisions on their behalf.
3. *Participatory Democracy*: A combination of direct and
representative democracy, where citizens are involved in
decision-making processes.
 4. *Liberal Democracy*: Emphasizes individual rights,
freedoms, and the rule of law.
5. *Social Democracy*: Combines elements of socialism and
democracy, emphasizing social welfare and economic
equality.
6. *Deliberative Democracy*: Focuses on citizen deliberation
and discussion in decision-making processes.
7. *Constitutional Democracy*: Emphasizes the rule of law and
the protection of individual rights through a constitution.
8. *Electoral Democracy*: Focuses on free and fair elections as
the primary means of citizen participation.
9. *Radical Democracy*: Seeks to empower marginalized
groups and challenge existing power structures.
10. *Cosmopolitan Democracy*: Emphasizes global
citizenship and democratic decision-making beyond national
borders.
These categories are not mutually exclusive, and many
democracies incorporate elements from multiple types.
ORIGIN OF DEMOCRACY
Here is a comprehensive overview of the origin of democracy.
*ANCIENT ORIGINS:*
_Athens, Greece (500 BCE): Democracy was first practiced in
Athens, where citizens (male, landowning) gathered to discuss
and decide on laws and policies.
_Solon’s Reforms (594 BCE): Solon introduced the concept of
citizenship and established the Athenian democracy.
_Cleisthenes’ (507 BCE): Cleisthenes expanded democracy,
introducing the concept of representation and the Athenian
system of government.
*INFLUENCES AND EVOLUTION:*
- Roman Republic (509-27 BCE): Rome adopted democratic
elements, such as representative government and checks on
power.
- Magna Carta (1215 CE): This English charter limited
monarchic power and protected individual rights, influencing
constitutional democracy.
- Enlightenment Thinkers (17th-18th centuries): Philosophers
like John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Montesquieu
developed ideas on democracy, representation, and
separation of powers.
*MODERN DEMOCRACY:*
- American Revolution (1775-1783): The US Declaration of
Independence and Constitution established democratic
principles and representative government.
- French Revolution (1789-1799): The French Revolution’s
emphasis on liberty, equality, and fraternity shaped modern
democracy.
- Expansion and Evolution (19th-20th centuries): Democracy
spread globally, with variations and adaptations, such as
social democracy and liberal democracy.
*KEY MILESTONES:*
- Universal Suffrage ( late 19th-early 20th centuries): Extension
of voting rights to all citizens, regardless of gender, race, or
property ownership.
 - Decolonization (mid-20th century): Democratization of newly
independent nations.
- Globalization and Contemporary Challenges (late 20th
century-present): Democracy faces challenges from
globalization, technological changes, and authoritarianism.
This comprehensive overview provides a solid foundation for
understanding the origin and evolution of democracy.
FEATURES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF DEMOCRACY
Here are the key features and characteristics of democracy:
*CORE FEATURES:*
1. _Free And Fair Elections_: Regular, competitive elections
with universal suffrage.
2. _Political Equality_: Equal rights and opportunities for all
citizens to participate.
3. _Citizen Participation_: Active engagement of citizens in
decision-making processes.
4. _Protection of Individual Rights_: Safeguards for individual
freedoms and human rights.
5. _Rule of Law_: Governance by laws, not individuals, with an
independent judiciary.
6. _Separation of Powers_: Division of power among
legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
7. _Accountability and Transparency_: Leaders accountable to
citizens, with transparent decision-making.
*KEY CHARACTERISTICS:*
1. _Pluralism_: Diversity of opinions, interests, and beliefs.
2. _Tolerance_: Acceptance of differing views and opinions.
3. _Inclusivity_: Representation and involvement of all citizens.
 4. _Deliberation_: Open discussion and debate in decision-
making processes.
5. _Respect for Minorities_: Protection of minority rights and
interests.
6. _Flexibility and Adaptability_: Ability to evolve and respond to
changing circumstances.
7. _Decentralization_: Power distribution among local, regional,
and national levels.
8. _Civil Society_: Active engagement of citizens in voluntary
associations and community organizations.
*ADDITIONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
1. _Independent Media_: Free and independent press,
essential for informed citizenship.
2. _Education and Critical Thinking_: Encouragement of critical
thinking, media literacy, and civic education.
3. _Economic Opportunities_: Access to economic resources,
social welfare, and equal opportunities.
4. _Civic Culture_: Shared values, trust, and cooperation
among citizens.
These features and characteristics are essential for a healthy,
functioning democracy, and their presence or absence can be
used to evaluate the quality of democracy in a given country or
system.
THE FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS
Here are the fundamental human rights, as enshrined in the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and other
international human rights instruments:
1. _Right to Life_: Protection from arbitrary deprivation of life.
2. _Freedom from Torture_: Protection from physical or mental
harm.
3. _Freedom from Slavery_: Prohibition on slavery, servitude,
and forced labor.
4. _Right to Liberty and Security_: Protection from arbitrary
arrest, detention, or exile.
5. _Right to a Fair Trial_: Access to a fair, impartial, and public
hearing.
6. _Freedom of Thought, Conscience, and Religion_:
Protection of individual beliefs and practices.
7. _Freedom of Opinion and Expression_: Protection of
individual speech, media, and artistic expression.
8. _Right to Peaceful Assembly and Association_: Protection of
individual rights to gather, demonstrate, and associate.
9. _Right to Participation in Government_: Right to vote, run for
office, and participate in public affairs.
10. _Right to Social Security_: Access to social welfare,
healthcare, and education.
11. _Right to Work_: Protection of individual rights to work,
fair wages, and safe conditions.
12. _Right to Education_: Access to quality education and
intellectual freedom.
13. _Right to Healthcare_: Access to quality healthcare and
medical treatment.
14. _Right to a Fair Standard of Living_: Access to
adequate food, water, housing, and living conditions.
15. _Right to Protection from Discrimination_: Protection
from discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or other
status.
 16. _Right to Protection from Arbitrary Interference_:
Protection from arbitrary interference with privacy, family, or
correspondence.
17. Right to Asylum_: Protection for individuals fleeing
persecution or violence.
18. _Right to Nationality and Citizenship_: Protection of
individual rights to nationality and citizenship.
19. _Right to Protection of Minorities_: Protection of
minority groups’ rights to culture, language, and identity.
20. _Right to Development_: Right to economic, social, and
cultural development.
These fundamental human rights are universal, inalienable, and
interdependent, providing a foundation for human dignity, well-
being, and justice.
HOW TO SEEK FOR REDRESS WHEN ONE RIGHT IS BEEN
DEPRIVED OR VIOLATED
When a right is deprived or violated, seeking redress involves
several steps:
1. *Document the violation*: Gather evidence, records, and
witness statements.
2. *Report to authorities*: File a complaint with relevant
authorities, such as police, human rights commissions, or
regulatory bodies.
3. *Seek legal advice*: Consult with a lawyer or legal aid
organization to understand your options.
4. *File a lawsuit*: Pursue legal action against the violator, if
advised by your lawyer.
5. *Use administrative remedies*: Utilize internal complaint
mechanisms within organizations or institutions.
 6. *Engage in advocacy*: Raise awareness about the violation
and push for policy changes.
7. *Seek support from human rights organizations*: Collaborate
with organizations specializing in human rights protection.
8. *File a complaint with international bodies*: If domestic
remedies are exhausted, file with international human rights
mechanisms, such as the United Nations.
9. *Participate in alternative dispute resolution*: Consider
mediation, arbitration, or other alternative dispute resolution
methods.
10. *Pursue political remedies*: Engage with elected
representatives, petition government agencies, or participate
in public protests.
Remember, the specific steps and remedies available will depend
on the context, jurisdiction, and nature of the rights violation.
ELECTION
Elections are a fundamental component of democratic
governance, enabling citizens to choose their representatives and
shape the direction of their country. Here’s a comprehensive
overview of the topic:
_DEFINITION:_ An election is a formal process where citizens
vote to select their representatives, decide on policies, or choose
between competing candidates or options.
_TYPES OF ELECTIONS:_
1. _General Elections:_ Held to elect representatives to
legislative bodies, such as parliament or congress.
2. _Presidential Elections:_ Held to elect a head of state or
government.
 3. _Local Elections:_ Held to elect representatives to local
government bodies, such as mayors or councilors.
4. _Primary Elections:_ Held to select candidates for a political
party.
5. _Referendums:_ Held to decide on specific policies, laws, or
constitutional changes.
6. _By-Elections:_ Held to fill vacancies in legislative bodies.
_KEY ELEMENTS:_
1. _Voters:_ Citizens eligible to participate in the election.
2. _Candidates:_ Individuals or parties competing for office or
support.
3. _Ballots:_ Physical or electronic means of casting votes.
4. _Voting Systems:_ Methods used to count and record votes,
such as first-past-the-post or proportional representation.
5. _Electoral Boundaries:_ Geographic areas represented by
elected officials.
6. _Campaigns:_ Efforts by candidates or parties to persuade
voters.
7. _Debates:_ Public discussions between candidates or
parties.
8. _Election Authorities:_ Independent bodies responsible for
overseeing and conducting elections.
_ELECTION PROCESS:_
1. _Voter Registration:_ Eligible citizens register to vote.
2. _Candidate Nomination:_ Candidates or parties put forward
their names.
3. _Campaigning:_ Candidates or parties promote their
platforms.
4. _Voting:_ Citizens cast their ballots.
 5. _Vote Counting:_ Ballots are counted and results
announced.
6. _Result Declaration:_ Winners are officially declared.
_PRINCIPLES AND CHALLENGES:_
1. _Free and Fair Elections:_ Ensuring equal opportunities and
minimizing fraud.
2. _Universal Suffrage:_ All eligible citizens have the right to
vote.
3. _Secret Ballot:_ Protecting voter privacy.
4. _Voter Suppression:_ Efforts to restrict or discourage voting.
5. _Electoral Reform:_ Ongoing efforts to improve election
processes and integrity.
This comprehensive overview covers the essential aspects of
elections, including types, elements, processes, and principles.
Understanding these concepts is crucial for engaging with
democratic systems and promoting electoral integrity.
RULE OF LAWS BY PROFESSOR A.V DICEY
The Rule of Law is a fundamental concept in constitutional law,
politics, and jurisprudence. It refers to the principle that all
individuals, institutions, and government officials are subject to
and bound by the law. This means that:
1. No one is above the law.
2. The law is supreme.
3. The law applies equally to all.
A.V. Dicey, a British constitutional scholar, famously defined the
Rule of Law in his 1885 book “Introduction to the Study of the Law
of the Constitution”. According to Dicey, the Rule of Law has three
main components:
 1. *Supremacy of Law*: The law is the supreme authority, and
all government actions must be in accordance with it.
2. *Equality before the Law*: All individuals, regardless of
status or position, are subject to the law and equal before it.
3. *Protection of Individual Rights*: The law protects individual
rights and ensures that they are not arbitrarily infringed upon
by the government or others.
Dicey’s definition emphasizes the importance of the Rule of Law
in protecting individual rights, preventing arbitrary government
action, and ensuring accountability. His work remains influential in
understanding the concept of the Rule of Law and its significance
in constitutional democracies.
WHAT IS PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY IN THE NORTH
CENTRAL WHICH ARE NASSARAWA, BENUE,
KWARA,NIGER, PLATEAU STATE AND SEVERAL OTHERS.
Participatory Democracy in the North Central region of Nigeria.
This region comprises seven states: Nassarawa, Benue, Kwara,
Niger, Plateau, Kogi, and Abuja (FCT).
Participatory democracy is a system where citizens are actively
involved in the decision-making processes of governance. It’s
about empowering individuals and groups to contribute to policy-
making, budgeting, and development initiatives.
IN THE NORTH CENTRAL REGION, PARTICIPATORY
DEMOCRACY TAKES VARIOUS FORMS:
1. *Community Meetings*: Regular gatherings where citizens
discuss local issues and priorities. These meetings foster a
sense of ownership and encourage collective problem-
solving.
2. *Town Hall Meetings*: Public forums where citizens engage
with government officials and elected representatives. This
platform allows citizens to ask questions, seek clarification,
and hold leaders accountable.
3. *Citizen Engagement Platforms*: Online or offline spaces for
citizens to provide input on policies and projects. This
ensures that diverse voices are heard and valued.
4. *Budget Tracking and Monitoring*: Citizen involvement in
tracking government expenditures and ensuring
accountability. This promotes transparency and reduces
corruption.
5. *Cooperative Governance*: Collaboration between
government, civil society, and private sector stakeholders.
This approach leverages resources, expertise, and networks
for collective impact.
6. *Youth and Women’s Participation*: Encouraging
underrepresented groups to take part in decision-making
processes. This ensures inclusivity and harnesses the
potential of marginalized groups.
7. *Traditional Leadership Engagement*: Involving traditional
leaders in governance and decision-making. This respects
cultural heritage and leverages their influence for community
development.
8. *Community Development Committees*: Citizen-led groups
driving local development initiatives. These committees
identify needs, prioritize projects, and mobilize resources.
9. *Policy Advocacy Groups*: Organizations pushing for policy
reforms and citizen-centered governance. These groups
amplify citizens’ voices and promote systemic change.
 10. *Elected Representatives’ Accountability*: Citizens
holding elected officials accountable for their actions and
promises. This ensures responsiveness and accountability in
governance.
In conclusion, participatory democracy in the North Central region
is about empowering citizens, fostering inclusivity, and promoting
accountable governance. By embracing these principles, we can
build stronger, more responsive communities and a better future
for all.