Hey My Gee,

Omo my Gee, this week get as e be ooo.

You know, I almost thought I wouldn’t be sending out a new post this week because I have a lot on my plate. But then I remembered my consistency promise, and I was like, O boy, carry that system and type something out.

Well, now we are here. 🙃 

Okay, before we dive into today’s theme as usual. I want to change my newsletter’s name, but I am finding it hard to decide what to choose between Offscript and From This Side. So, I was thinking maybe you guys can help me out. In case you are wondering why I want to change the name. I just feel like the word Recap doesn’t do justice to the type of content I have sent out recently. Abi, what do you think?

You can let me know what you think by replying to this mail or by dropping a comment, that is, if you are reading it online (On the website).

I know from the title and subtitle, you might wonder what it is that I actually want to talk about. Well, it is just the difference between Liberalism and Democracy but in a relatable and fun way.

But before we make it relatable and fun. What actually is the meaning of Liberalism and Democracy?

Liberalism and Democracy are related but distinct in political theory.

Liberalism is a political and social philosophy that emphasizes individual rights and freedoms, limited government, and equality under the law.

While Democracy has many meanings, generally it is a system of government where power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or through elected representatives.

Liberalism is an ideological and philosophical concept that can exist in both democratic and non-democratic systems.

Democracy is about how decisions are made (by the majority), not what those decisions are.

Ok, enough of this academia shit. Let’s dive into the relatable shit.

“Freedom of Speech (Terms and Conditions Apply)”

It’s funny how the average Nigerian actually believes democracy gives us the freedom it preaches. We’re always told we have rights—yet somehow, we’re never really given the stage to use them. An old man who has lived long enough to witness Nigeria’s journey from independence to now will proudly tell you that democracy gives us rights we didn’t have during the colonial era. And maybe he’s right, on paper. But ask him when he’s actually used those rights, and all you’ll get are history lessons with no real substance. It’s like being told you’re free to dance… but the music never plays.

Liberalism keeps telling us we have rights, but democracy keeps reminding us there are limits to those rights. Maybe I’m wrong—but in Nigeria, it sure feels that way. Abi, what do you think?

Here, liberalism is like that one friend who’s always saying, “Live your truth.” Meanwhile, democracy is like that Nigerian family where living your truth gets you side-eyes, lectures, or even gbas gbos.

So let’s break it down real quick—what are these big grammar words, sef?

Liberalism is basically that ideology that believes in you being you—freedom of speech, freedom of expression, freedom to mind your business without government wahala. It’s the “do you” of political thinking.

Democracy, on the other hand, is the idea that everybody gets a say. Majority rules. We vote, we elect, and ideally, we hold leaders accountable. It sounds sweet—until the same majority votes for nonsense. You sef look at last presidential election.

In theory, “liberalism and democracy are meant to be besties.” One says “be free,” the other says “let’s all decide together.” But in practice—especially here—they’re more like roommates who can’t stop arguing.

The Nigerian government borrowed this Western concept of liberal democracy—a mix of liberalism and democracy—just to convince us that we, the people, are actually in control. But if we’re being honest, when was the last time Nigerians had real control over anything in this country? Exactly. I know say you dey vibe with me. 🤣 

You know, the problem I actually have with this country is how liberalism gets twisted.

Liberalism is supposed to mean you have the right to speak, to protest, to question authority, and to live your truth without fear. But here, those same rights are turned into a trap. You speak too loud? You’re labeled “a threat to national security.” You organize a peaceful protest? Suddenly, you’re “disturbing public peace.” You criticize a politician online? They’ll drag you to court faster than they fix the road in front of their house.

It’s wild. The very rights that are meant to protect us are now the same ones used to silence us. Examples are the EndSARS protest, major journalists arrests, or even the Twitter ban that happened then.

So technically, they mean you can actually talk, but make sure no one important is listening. Abi, what is freedom if you have to think twice before using it?.

Wo, may God help us all in Nigeria (Amen).

See, let’s be real with each other.

Even the election we think is our way of taking a stance is just a platform for us to choose our next oppressors. We have to find a way forward. Something has to give.

So what do I propose?

• Civic Awareness: I think we actually need more awareness when it comes to our rights. How are we going to use our rights when we don’t even know what they actually mean?. We need to actually understand our rights—not just the catchy phrases we hear during campaign season. Because you can’t fight for what you don’t even know belongs to you.

• Call Out Lip Service Politics: One thing these nonsense politicians love to say is “the people have spoken”. But most times, the people were either muted or never invited to the conversation. We are tired of fancy buzzwords; we need systems that work and care.

• Demand Accountability: I would have proposed Sharia law, but most Nigerians think it is too strict and also comes with religious biases. Until there are real consequences for political misbehavior, all this “freedom” talk is just PR. We need to start demanding accountability from the bottom up—from local councilors to the people in Aso Rock.

• Redefine Democracy in Nigeria: Maybe it’s time to stop copying and pasting Western ideals and start building something that actually fits our own context—one where rights aren’t luxury items and elections aren’t survival games.

So, the thing is…

Democracy isn’t just about voting. Liberalism isn’t just about saying what you want. Both are supposed to protect people—and if they’re not doing that, maybe we need to stop defending the system and start redesigning it.

At the end of the day, freedom shouldn’t come with conditions—and democracy shouldn’t feel like vibes and prayers. We deserve better. And deep down, we all know it.

I think that’s all from my side.

Don’t forget the name thing. Which one is better, Offscript or From This Side?. Let me know; I would really love to hear from you.

That’s it for this week.

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Keep showing up. 🏃‍♂️💛

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