A rights group, Citizens Rights Concern Enhancement Initiative, has called for stronger democratic institutions and credible elections as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
The group made the call during a world press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists chapel in Warri, Delta State, where it examined good governance, electoral integrity and the protection of human rights.
The group’s Board of Trustees Chairman, Ambassador Edewor Egedegbe, said democracy provided citizens with an avenue to demand accountability and enforce their fundamental rights.
He stressed the importance of elections in enabling citizens to determine their leaders and hold governments accountable.
The National Coordinator of the organisation, Comrade Monday Enudi, also spoke on the need for citizens to remain actively engaged in the democratic process.
The briefing was held under the theme "Nigeria at 66: Good Governance, Electoral Integrity and the Protection of Human Rights".
The speakers also emphasised the responsibility of government to protect the security and welfare of Nigerians, describing these as fundamental obligations of the state.
The group said the country’s independence anniversary should provide an opportunity to assess the state of governance and the effectiveness of democratic institutions in protecting citizens’ rights.
It called for practical steps to strengthen democratic participation, improve electoral integrity and ensure that citizens’ fundamental rights remained protected.
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