Dr Tony Ojukwu, SAN, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on Nigerians to renew their commitment in strengthening democracy.
Ojukwu made the call in a statement to commemorate the 2024 Democracy Day and also 25 years of unbroken democracy.
He commended the resilience of Nigerians in their quest for democratic governance which according to him, has clearly manifested in the repeated elections that have taken place since the return of democracy in 1999.
The executive secretary however , decried the challenges which seems to threaten the effective democratic processes in the Country such as elections marred by violence, ballot box snatching, killings, vote buying.
” The commission will continue in our interventions in strengthen the democratic process.
” It is imperative that all stakeholders, including each and every one of you, play an active role before, during, and after elections to further fortify democracy in Nigeria.
“Rest assured, as a commission, we are steadfast in our commitment to monitor democracy in Nigeria and safeguard the rights of all eligible Nigerians to freely participate in democratic processes. I urge you all to share in this commitment.”
According to him, it is worthy to mention that the Commission, in line with its mandate, monitors all elections for the purpose of ensuring that they conform to human rights standards. This includes monitoring for instances of voter intimidation, violence, and other human rights abuses that may occur during the electoral process.
He stated that the Mobilising Voters for Elections (MOVE) project was put in place to raise awareness about the importance of democracy and the need for citizens to exercise their right to vote. This project aims to empower citizens with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions during elections, thereby strengthening our democratic processes.
He added that the goal is to sensitised masses on the need to exercise freely their franchise especially as it relates to right to vote.
Ojukwu further stated to be voted for as well as being involved in all electioneering processes.
Of significant interest is the commission’s collaboration with relevant Civil Society Organizations in co-sponsoring a bill seeking enhanced participation of women in politics, elections, and governance. This bill, if passed, would promote gender equality in political representation, a crucial step towards a more inclusive and representative democracy.
” Though the bill was thrown out by the 9th National Assembly, the commission is still strategizing with stakeholders to represent the same bill to the current National Assembly, hoping that the Law Makers will see reason to pass this important bill without seeing Affirmative Action to prop up women as a discrimination against the men.
Finally, I call on Nigerians to exercise restraint, exude patience, remain focused, and committed to supporting democracy in our dear country. Your active participation in democratic processes, such as voting, holding elected officials accountable, and advocating for your rights, is crucial to the success and sustainability of our democracy, despite the economic challenges currently bedeviling the nation.
According to him, true Democracy ensures enjoyment of human rights.
“With Democracy and Good Governance, the enjoyment of Human Rights is assured.
” But without democracy, human rights will be a victim. Human rights thrives in a democratic melieu not in a conflict stricken nation or military governance or anarchy or undemocratic environment.
” May the labour of our democratic heroes not be in vain and may God help us to build a nation where no man is oppressed and may justice and human rights reign in our democracy in Nigeria” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that former President Muhammadu Buhari in June 2018 declared June 12 as the new date for the celebration of Nigeria’s democracy. This decision was made to posthumously honour MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, and to commemorate the struggle for democracy in Nigeria.
According to him the decision was to posthumously honour MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election
