The Christian Conscience group has urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently put in place measures that will strengthen and safeguard Nigeria’s democracy while also prioritizing the security of lives and property.
The body made the call in a statement jointly signed by its National Chairman, Dr. (Mrs.) Yetunde Akinluyi, and National Secretary, Rev. Dr. Kolawole Verrals, at the end of its monthly meeting in Lagos on Friday, June 12.
While congratulating Nigerians on the occasion of Democracy Day, the group urged the government to ensure the tenets of democracy are strictly adhered to. It also urged citizens to continue holding political leaders accountable and reminding them to always prioritize the welfare of the people.
The body noted that there are many lessons to learn from the June 12 episode. “Part of such lessons is that leadership is crucial, but followership determines the tone,” the statement read in part.
It reads further, “We congratulate Nigerians on this year’s Democracy Day celebration. However, we must continue to remind our political leaders of their responsibility to govern with the interest of the ordinary citizen at heart.”
What Nigerians want
Nigerians, according to the group are demanding nothing extraordinary from their leaders beyond the basic necessities of a decent life. “All Nigerians desire is a good life, affordable housing, motorable roads, accessible and affordable healthcare, quality education, and adequate security that allows people to move freely and conduct their lawful businesses without fear.”
When these basic needs are met, the group noted, “it will be easier for Nigerians to contribute positively to national development and go about their daily activities in peace.”
The group also urged all Nigerians to remain committed to building an enduring nation, adding that, “Democracy could be endangered when there is a wide gap between the living conditions of political leaders and those of the citizens they were elected to serve.”
It called on political leaders to show true commitment to national interests instead of living in affluence while the people they promised to govern continue to suffer hardship.
”Otherwise, the foundations of democracy become weakened, and the nation risks social unrest,” Christian Conscience stated.
It then called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of all Nigerians still being held captive by bandits. “This cannot be done in isolation. Crime has no ethnicity. This is the time for Nigerians to come together to build, not abandon, the ship.”
