PRESS STATEMENT
June 12 every year, Nigeria celebrates Democracy Day. It is in commemoration of the annulment of the June 12 1993 elections won by the late MKO Abiola. It was an election during which the citizens freely chose their leaders in a free and fair elections. As a nation, civil rule was enthroned in 1999 when Nigeria had her first elected government that replaced the military dictatorships which held the country hostage for some decades. Since then, the nation has enjoyed a smooth flow of civilian governments without the interruption of military regime for the past 26 years.
However, in the past 26 years of democracy, it is regrettable to state that the common citizens in Nigeria have not felt the impact of true democracy as a people, as the hardship in the nation seems to be increasing by the day. The nation has witnessed various degrees of corruption, looting of tax payer’s money in billions and trillions of dollars with no accountability.
The increase of police brutality and harassment, insecurity, political bias, and increase in food prices. Also, the electoral system has become a mere show of godfatherism taking decisions instead of true representation of the people.
Most recently, the obstruction of democratic rule in Rivers State without a justifiable reason has shown the pitiable state of democracy in Nigeria. The decision to place Rivers State in a State of Emergency situation has led to more hardship in the State.
It is on these premises, that the Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development (CEHRD) is calling on the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu- government to immediately reinstate democratic rule in Rivers State to avert the increased hardship in the State.
Furthermore, to achieve a true democratic system in Nigeria, CEHRD is calling on the National Assembly to enact a law making the positions of chief judges to be elective positions not appointive of the ruling government. Also, the Independence National Electoral Commission board should be elective of seven members with representatives from the six political zones and the federal capital.
CEHRD demands as a matter of urgency the reduction of fuel and food prices which will elevate the current situation of the common masses in the nation.
True democracy is when the people begin to enjoy the dividend of the nation, not only a few. To achieve this, there must be a fair play ground for all to strive without intimidation or harassment.
Signed:
Josiah Egbilika
Senior Advocacy and Communications, CEHRD