Nigerian actress and activist, Kate Henshaw, has decried the state of the nation, stating that the country’s democratic experience has failed to deliver meaningful impact to the lives of ordinary citizens.
Henshaw spoke on Thursday during Channels Television’s special Democracy Day programme titled Nigeria’s Democratic Journey: An Inter-Generational Conversation on Building a Better Nation,’ commemorating 26 years of unbroken democratic rule in Nigeria.
The actress questioned the relevance of the country’s uninterrupted democratic rule if it continues to fall short of addressing citizens’ needs.
Our democracy is not being felt by the people. Yes, we have had uninterrupted democracy, but how does that trickle down? What is that trickle-down effect? How does it impact the lives of the people — the ordinary Nigerians? Henshaw asked.
She lamented the erosion of the middle class, the decay in public infrastructure, and the rising poverty levels, stressing that Nigerians are struggling to survive under worsening socio-economic conditions.
There is no middle class and we cannot tell any more lies to ourselves. People are impoverished, healthcare is in shambles, there is no security.
Everything around us is crumbling and Nigerians are barely holding on by the skin of their teeth, she stated.
Despite the grim realities, Henshaw urged Nigerians not to give up on demanding accountability from those in power.
We Can’t Be Quiet, Govt Must Be Accountable
The Nollywood star also emphasised the importance of sustained advocacy for justice, equity, and national stability.
The battles for the things that are important cannot be won in a day. We cannot keep quiet. We have to continuously make sure that we hold the government accountable.
There must be justice, equity, and security for the people — for their lives and property,” Henshaw said.
Reflecting on her reluctance to join in the usual celebratory messages for Democracy Day, the actress said she struggled to find joy in a concept that remains elusive to many Nigerians.
I’d have tweeted something like Happy Democracy Day, but there was nothing in me to say. It’s just this feeling of something that hasn’t really actualised — something that is dwindling.
But I still hold on to hope that we will have a country to live in, for our children — something they can build on.
