NIGERIANS like debates. If you ask, some of them would tell you that it is the most tangible dividend of democracy. There are still debates about what dividends of democracy mean and whether it is only civilians, who can deliver these dividends.

Dividend of democracy is the euphemism for developments, mostly roads, a few schools that are renovated, regular payment of salaries (in few instances), vehicles bought for the judiciary, and endless training programmes that change nothing.

The biggest asset of May 29 is the belief of Nigerians in democracy. Those who equate developments with dividends of democracy, tend to forget some states had more developments under the military than civilians did in 13 years. Dividends of democracy must mean more.

Democracy is about the vast expanses of liberties. They are about choices, including the peoples’ right to choose who leads them. The choices extend to the right to where we live, which schools our children attend and the right to security of lives and property.

Our Constitution freely grants these and more rights. How have these rights prospered in the last 13 years? Why are more people agitating for splitting the country? Why are more Nigerians retreating to their parts of the country? Is there more justice? Are there any signs that leadership thinks of improving the welfare of the people?

Debates have not ceased about what democracy should deliver and in what portions. If an undemocratic government develops the country, would its efforts qualify as dividends of democracy? What is not debatable is that Nigerians seem to prefer a system of government that comes with the four-year chance to renew or retire mandates. The appeal of democracy is great, it offers hope, it generates high expectations and the people delight in their right to be heard.

People are, however, dismayed that governments are not harnessing these positive attitude to democracy. Disappointments about diminishing involvement of the people in politics,  violence and mounting insecurity have made people despair about the propensities of democracy.

No new frontiers remain for democracy where democracy minimises the involvement of the people. The collective quest for improvement in their circumstances would continue providing challenges that would advance democracy.

It is no longer enough to mark May 29 as having any meaning if there are no visible incremental gains from democratic governance. May 29 is a ritual, a sadder reminder that things are not about changing or more optimistically, more work is required to get things done.

May 29, unfortunately, is just one of the many holidays Nigerians enjoy. For a day that started so well, May 29 needs to be remembered beyond the day Nigeria got new rulers.