YIAGA Africa has sought a recommitment to democratic ethos and principles, strengthening of institutions and promotion of political education among the people. In a statement, yesterday, the Executive Director, Samson Itodo, emphasised the importance of reinforcing the independence and capacity of democratic institutions, including the Independence National Electoral Commission (INEC), judiciary and anti-corruption bodies, to operate without fear or favour.
Lamenting that trust in government and institutions has declined over the past 25 years, Itodo noted that a new social contract could help restore this trust by making government more transparent, accountable, and responsive to citizens’ needs. He added that renegotiating the social compact can create a more inclusive society with equal opportunities and access to resources for all.
Itodo said this is crucial for addressing collective challenges such as public health crises, security threats, economic depression, political exclusion and social cohesion.
The election monitoring group equally raised concerns over attacks, intimidation, frivolous litigation, and unlawful detention of journalists, civic activists and citizens by government.
EQUALLY, the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has charged leaders to make the country’s democracy truly work, noting that the pillars of civil rule in Nigeria remain weak, with popular participation in governance waning, while the promise of free and fair elections remains largely unfulfilled for many citizens.
Its Media and Communications Officer, Robert Egbe, in a statement, yesterday, to mark the country’s Democracy Day, pointed out that “in this day and time, the pillars of democracy in Nigeria remain weak, with popular participation in governance waning, while the promise of free and fair elections remains largely unfulfilled for many citizens.”
According to the organisation, despite 25 years of unbroken democracy in Nigeria, the persistent disregard for democratic principles has continued to limit citizens’ participation in decision-making processes and stifle meaningful progress.
CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, noted: “The diversity of opinions and active participation of citizens in political processes enrich democracy and promote nation-building.
Yet the suppression of press freedoms, arbitrary arrests and detention of journalists, vocal citizens and critics have become increasingly recurring instances in the country and disappointing indices that undermine the people’s power to have an equal voice in their government.
“Indeed, we have come a long way as a people on a journey, and this day, as always, holds major significance in our history. It is a timely reminder of the resilience and bravery we embody even in the face of challenges that threaten to swallow us. It is for this reason that we must continue to uphold the sanctity of our nationhood and jealously guard it from the perils that threaten its wholesomeness.”
This reality, the organisation noted, has contributed to the increasing wave of disillusionment and apathy among the populace. This is coming after the Department of State and Security (DSS) and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) threatened to prevent the planned protests by well-meaning Nigerians, labour unions, and a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs).
