In a thought-provoking lecture that challenged the status quo and reignited the call for civic responsibility, Professor Agha Eresia-Eke, has called on Nigerians to stop being passive observers and start demanding true democracy from those in power.

Delivering the 111th Inaugural Lecture of the institution titled “Nigerian Democratic Practices: A Contextual Paradox”, on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, Professor Eresia-Eke a Professor of Social and Political Philosophy in the Department of Philosophy, Rivers State University (RSU) laid bare the contradiction between the ideals of democracy as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution and the prevailing realities of the country’s governance system.

While examining the historical and philosophical roots of political order, Prof. Eresia-Eke explained that democracy was not the exclusive preserve of leaders but a collective responsibility that demands active participation from the citizens.

“Yes, it’s feasible, very, very feasible” responding to skepticism about the workability of true democracy in Nigeria.

 “All we need to do is take up the challenge. Democracy is not only for those in leadership positions; it’s also for us the citizens.”

The political philosopher emphasized that it is citizen docility not impossibility that has allowed constitutional abuse and democratic backsliding to thrive in the country.

“If you don’t demand accountability, you are giving them the leverage to do what they want. Democracy has rules. The constitution has principles. It is those principles that guarantee the core democratic values I’ve pointed to.”

While Prof. Eresia-Eke did not indict any institution or name any authority, he maintained that the processes through which major political decisions are made in Nigeria often flout the constitution and should be challenged through sustained civic engagement.

“Democracy means that you must make demands from your leaders. Protest is not a one-hour thing,  it must be continuous. If all of us pour out into the streets of Port Harcourt and block everywhere, what do you think will happen? Government must bow.”

The lecture, held at the university’s campus in Port Harcourt, was well-attended by scholars, students, political observers, and members of the public.

Earlier in his opening remark, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi welcomed guests and highlighted the importance of the lecture’s theme. “Today we are confronted with a ‘Contextual Paradox, a competition between what is ideal and what is actually practiced, and I trust that the lecturer will help us unpuzzle this paradox”.

Prof. Eresia-Eke’s presentation, deeply rooted in philosophical and historical analysis, drew from the works of great thinkers like Plato, Hobbes, and Rousseau, to interrogate the Nigerian political reality. He emphasized that social and political philosophy flourishes most when the state is in distress, and thus, the role of philosophy is not only to critique but to offer direction for societal healing.

Concluding the lecture, the professor called for a renewal of democratic commitment among Nigerians, stating that while democracy offers no guarantees, it provides the opportunity to build a just society but only if citizens rise to the challenge.

“Democracy is both a promise and a challenge. It is a promise that free human beings can govern themselves in a way that serves their aspirations. But it is a challenge because its success depends entirely on us, the citizens.”

The inaugural lecture forms part of RSU’s ongoing academic tradition aimed at bringing intellectual thought closer to public discourse, reaffirming the university’s mission to “bring the gown to town” and strengthen democratic culture through scholarship and civic engagement.