Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw, has raised concerns about the relevance of Nigeria’s uninterrupted democratic governance, questioning its impact on the daily lives of ordinary citizens.
Speaking during a special Democracy Day programme on Channels Television on Thursday, Henshaw criticised the country’s democratic experience, stating that it has failed to translate into meaningful improvements in the welfare of the people.
“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?” she asked.
Henshaw lamented the collapse of the middle class, the degradation of essential services, and rising poverty levels. She painted a bleak picture of the current socio-economic landscape, pointing out that many Nigerians are struggling just to survive.
“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 said.
Despite the challenges, Henshaw called on Nigerians not to lose hope or stop holding their leaders accountable. She urged continued civic engagement and pressure on those in power to ensure better governance.
“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,” she added.
Reflecting on the Democracy Day celebration, the actress admitted she felt no urge to participate in the usual messages of goodwill, citing a lack of genuine progress as her reason.
“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,” she concluded.
