Injustice, Cause Of Nigeria’s Faltering Democracy, Says Gov Diri By Chris Mark 

Injustice, Cause Of Nigeria’s Faltering Democracy, Says Gov Diri

By Chris Mark 

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said the absence of justice, equity and fairness are responsible for Nigeria’s struggling democracy.

Governor Diri stated this on Tuesday while delivering a goodwill message at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue held at the International Conference Centre, Bauchi.

The Governor argued that without the practice of true fiscal federalism and adherence to the rule of law, Nigeria’s democracy would continue to falter.

He said Nigeria took the wrong turn in its democratic journey long ago and must correct structural imbalances for the country to benefit its citizens.

Using Bayelsa as a case study, Diri decried the injustice in oil resource exploitation and the lopsided revenue sharing formula.

He noted that over 60 years after oil exploration began, oil-bearing communities in Bayelsa and the Niger Delta still lack commensurate development despite generating huge revenue for the country.

“It is ironical that at the end of every month, all our states go to Abuja to share oil money. I do not think that is what democracy is all about,” he said.

The Governor cited Southern Ijaw LGA, which he said had no road access for over 60 years and no access to its headquarters until his administration built a 630-meter bridge.

He also faulted the situation where Bayelsa with only 8 LGAs has revenue from its resources shared to states with 40 or more LGAs.

“Resources are being expropriated. No matter who becomes president, this injustice and unfairness continue,” Diri said.

He further linked resource exploitation to insecurity, stating that the discovery and mining of gold in Zamfara and other northern states has been followed by heightened insecurity.

“For democracy to thrive in Nigeria, there must be true federalism. Until we begin to practice federalism, we will have some pseudo-democratic, pseudo-autocratic, and sometimes even a tyrannical government in this country,” he added.

Diri commended former President Goodluck Jonathan and his foundation for sustaining the annual dialogue, saying Nigeria needs such platforms “to jaw-jaw” and develop a truly democratic culture.

The event, themed “Beyond Elections: Can Political Parties and the Judiciary Save African Democracy?” was held in collaboration with the Bauchi State government and chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Dignitaries present included Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Dame Patience Jonathan, former VP Namadi Sambo, Bauchi Governor Senator Bala Mohammed, former SGF Anyim Pius Anyim, and former Anambra Governor Mr. Peter Obi.