ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- A non governmental organization, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), has cautioned against the planned clampdown on peaceful rallies to commemorate democracy day.
The organisation urged the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to uphold citizens’ rights to freedom of assembly and expression.
In a statement signed by the Media and Communications Officer CAPPA, Robert Egbe, on Wednesday, the group voiced concerns over recent announcements by the DSS and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) threatening to prevent planned protests by Nigerians, labour unions, and civil society organizations (CSOs).
While reaffirming state authorities and security forces of their duty to safeguard citizens’ rights, CAPPA calls for a reevaluation and reinforcement of Nigeria’s democratic principles to foster sustainable national development.
Despite Nigeria’s 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, CAPPA highlights persistent disregard for democratic values, hindering citizens’ participation in decision-making and impeding progress.
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CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, underscores the importance of diverse opinions and citizen participation in enriching democracy and promoting nation-building, while lamenting the suppression of press freedoms and arbitrary arrests of journalists and critics.
Oluwafemi said, “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, and vocal citizens and critics have become increasingly reoccurring 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.
“And it is for this reason that we must continue to uphold the sanctity of our nationhood and jealously defend it from the perils that threaten its wholesomeness.”
The organization urges Nigeria’s leaders to prioritize fairness, inclusivity, and happiness for all citizens, necessitating an honest evaluation of the nation’s democratic progress.
Pointing out weaknesses in Nigeria’s democratic pillars, CAPPA notes declining popular participation in governance and unfulfilled promises of free and fair elections, contributing to growing disillusionment and apathy among the populace.
Furthermore, CAPPA criticizes the Nigerian state’s disregard for the separation of powers, leading to a weakened legislature, a captured judiciary, and an executive reveling in impunity, ultimately harming Nigerian citizens.
The statement concludes with a call for state and political authorities to reject any language that undermines open government prospects, stressing the need for transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law at all government levels and institutions.