On a day meant for national reflection and pride, popular Nigerian actress and human rights advocate, Kate Henshaw, has expressed deep disappointment in the state of the nation, declaring that there is little to celebrate despite 26 years of uninterrupted democracy.
Speaking during a special Democracy Day broadcast on Channels Television, Henshaw did not mince words as she painted a bleak picture of Nigeria’s socio-economic and political landscape. Her sentiments resonated with many citizens who continue to grapple with rising insecurity, inflation, poor healthcare, mass unemployment, and a steadily eroding quality of life.
The veteran actress emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy has increasingly failed to meet the basic expectations of its citizens, stressing that governance has become detached from the people.
“There is no middle class and we cannot tell any more lies to ourselves,” Henshaw said. “Everything around us is crumbling and Nigerians are barely holding on by the skin of their teeth.”
She lamented that across every sector — health, education, infrastructure, power, and security — the indicators point to systemic failure, making it difficult to claim any meaningful progress under a democratic regime that began in 1999.
Henshaw’s blunt critique mirrors the current reality of millions of Nigerians who have grown frustrated with chronic government inefficiency and poor leadership. Her words carried more weight given her history of advocacy and public service involvement.
While some Nigerians and political elites marked Democracy Day with celebratory messages, Henshaw argued that the symbolism of uninterrupted elections means nothing if democratic governance does not translate to justice, equity, and human dignity.
“Of what use is democracy if it is so detached from the people and makes no impact on their lives?” she asked. “Democracy must not only be about elections; it must be about accountability, justice, and improving the quality of life.”
According to the actress, real democracy goes beyond periodic voting — it involves transparent leadership, equity in resource distribution, freedom of expression, and security for all citizens.
Despite her disillusionment, Henshaw urged Nigerians not to give in to despair but to continue demanding accountability from leaders at all levels of government.
“We cannot keep quiet,” she declared. “There must be justice, equity, and security for the people — for their lives and property. But I still hold on to hope that we will have a country to live in, for our children — something they can build on.”
Her message echoes the growing sentiments of a younger generation calling for reforms, structural change, and a redefined social contract between government and citizens.
Nigeria’s 2025 Democracy Day comes at a time when the nation is battling record-high inflation, worsening security crises in several regions, and increasing migration of professionals in search of better opportunities abroad. Many civil society leaders, including Henshaw, argue that this day should serve as a time of sober assessment, not ceremonial praise.
Several Nigerians took to social media to echo the actress’ sentiments, trending hashtags like #NoToTokenDemocracy, #FixNigeria, and #WeDeserveBetter.
As the nation marked more than two decades since returning to civilian rule, voices like Henshaw’s highlight the pressing need for leaders to bridge the wide gap between democratic ideals and the lived experiences of the average Nigerian.