Proceedings of the National Assembly of the Social Science Assembly of Nigeria, 2020
DOI: 10.36108/ssan/ConfPro/0202.04
Monetisation of Politics and its Debilitating Impact on Social Services in Nigeria, 1999 – 2020
ERINOSHO, T.O.
Department of History and Diplomatic Studies, College of Humanities, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State
And
Jibrin Ubale Yahaya
Department of Political Science,National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Kano Office
Abstract
Democracy is globally adjudged to be the best system of government as it creates room for mutual dialogue and robust decision-making process among the ruling elite. Wherever and whenever democracy is accorded its pride of place and the rules of the game are strictly adhered to, the citizenry generally stands a better chance to enjoy the dividends of good governance than where democracy is grossly abused or military autocracy is installed. Hence, many countries have been experimenting with democratisation of politics and Nigeria, re-joined the club of democratic states in 1999 after a prolonged military rule. However, the brand of democracy in Nigeria is heavily monetised. The monetisation of politics has denied the electorate and other Nigerians’ access to qualitative social services and this has further worsened the living conditions of the already poverty-stricken masses as the political class is interested in looting the treasury as a way of recovering investment in politics. This paper interrogates the concept of monetisation of politics, its trends or forms and the debilitating impact of this highly valued and adopted brand of democracy in Nigeria. The study concludes that pointingthe way out of the current political quagmire so that all and sundry can enjoy better conditions of living across the federation and thereby make life more meaningful to them.
Keywords: Democracy, Nigeria, Monetisation of politics, political / ruling class, social services.