Decade of democracy: Nigeria voices

People queuing to vote in Nigeria

Nigeria has reached its 10th anniversary of democratic rule. But is it an anniversary worth celebrating?

To find out, the BBC's Africa Have Your Say asked Nigerians for their views on the impact of democracy.

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Here are some of their comments:

Nigeria over the last 10 years has been a big disgrace, there is nothing to show for it. Many people will hope that the military takes over power again, as the economy is getting bad, the politicians are not keeping to there promises.

As you may know, we have no electricity, no water, no good roads, no jobs, no house, and no food, how do we live on like this? Only God can help us, but be informed that many Nigerians will celebrate if the military takes over.
Frank, Lagos

For me its been a period of dashed dreams and frustrations over our inability to meet the basic needs or concept of a democratic nation. A bad constitution, an electoral process that gives power to the biggest riggers, and the biggest shame of all, we have spent billions of dollars to fix our energy problems without any result.
Olukayode, Lagos

Democracy is still a dream. Nigeria doesn't need "democracy." We need equal rights, justice, transparency and accountability!
Rita, Lagos

One can summarily say the worst of democracy is better than the best of military Steve in Akure

Nigeria is a rising sun. Rome, they say, was not build in a day. For this reason, Nigerian democracy is not expected to be perfect -because even the Americans, who happen to be the pace setters, can't claim to be practicing a true democracy. In view of that, I can say that Nigeria is trying to practise a true democracy if only the imperialist powers will allow this happen. Kingsley, Abuja

Well, things are better. You get more money when you do a job, and one can now lay hands on what you'd ordinarily not think about during the military era. Nobody goes hungry anymore except the lazy ones. One can summarily say the worst of democracy is better than the best of military. Militancy and thuggery is the major problem of democracy. There was nothing like Mend or other militant groups during the military era but democracy is good.
Steve, Akure

Nigeria and Nigerians have benefitted from the fixed price of a bag of pure water, which is five naira ($0.03, £0.02) since 1999 to date. The 1999 election was the best election in the Nigerian new era. Idris, Kano

Kingsley Okakoso says democracy 'does not exist' in Nigeria

Nigeria needs time to recover from the wounds of the past military misrule. Most of the current politicians were part of those 35-odd years. Corruption is endemic in human nature, as currently manifested even among MPs in UK. However, Nigeria's problem is compounded by a weak judiciary. We must not give up on the nation. At least Lagos state governor is setting some good examples; there is hope for a new generation. Akin, Harrow, UK

The democracy that God gave us in Nigeria has turned out to be a curse on us. Instead of seeing improved education and healthcare services, what we are seeing is a reverse. The high cost of living is quite traumatising. Imagine the ongoing bombing of the Gbaramatu Kingdom where innocent lives are wasted like chicken.
Pastor, Port Harcourt

I see nothing to "celebrate", rather it is sober reflection I am quickly drawn into. I can see no visible end to the misery and blatant corruption that seeks to annihilate us, yet we feast! A conundrum that in itself riddles life!
Awenlimobor, Warri

We don't enjoy government patronage in Nigeria. We've all turned into mini governments; you generate light, you sink a borehole for water, no public schools, no shelter, health facility is zero, in fact nothing works here.
Tunmise, Lagos

I can only imagine where this country is heading to. Since I was a young guy I've thought this is a country where nothing is done in the right way.
Babalola, Abeokuta

Undoubtedly, overfed, pot-bellied politicians decked in flamboyant fineries, will be present in Aso Rock, Abuja, to applaud the event. Whilst the populace enveloped by hunger and sadness, looked on from afar with a grin of displeasure. The country is comatose. The majority of the people are paralyzed into living an uneventful life. There is high rate of unemployment and incessant power failure. Healthcare services, educational institutions and social amenities are at the verge of collapse. Law and order is in disarray as a result of corrupted wreck of the police force. It is a dark world in Nigeria. Kingsley, Cleveland, USA

Democracy in Nigeria is rubbish. I think we should have something better to do on Friday.
Olaitan, Lagos