• Restates commitment to strengthening democratic values
As Nigeria marks this year’s Democracy Day, the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) has said the country’s democracy, although not perfect and still growing with pockets of stormy and smooth sails, has brought many gains.
The organisation congratulated Nigerians for strides the country has made along the democratic path, since return to democracy in 1999.
EU-SDGN, in a statement, yesterday, expressed the organisation’s commitment to working assiduously towards strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and deepening gains.
Members of the EU-SDGN cohort include: DAI Global, Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Yiaga Africa, Kukah Centre, International Press Centre (IPC), Institute for Media and Society (IMS), Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), ElectHER, and TAF Africa, National Peace Committee, SOS Children’s Villages, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), Justice Development and Peace Initiative, and Justice, Development and Peace Makers’ Centre (JDPMC).
It observed that Democracy Day serves to remind Nigerians of how far the country has come, since June 12, 1993, and underlines significant progress and achievements of democracy in the country.
The cohort acknowledged strides in entrenching democratic values, promoting inclusivity, upholding principles of good governance, and respecting human rights and the rule of law, which are fundamental pillars for democracy all over the world.
“The EU-SDGN cohort, therefore, calls on all relevant stakeholders, including government, political parties, civil society and citizens to continue their efforts in upholding democratic principles and protecting democratic gains, which are critical condiments for fostering peace, stability, and sustainable development in Nigeria,” the statement notes.
Through funding by the European Union, the EU-SDGN has been working to reinforce democracy by providing support to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), National Assembly, judiciary, political parties, media, women, youth and persons with disabilities and civil society organisations.
