President Bola Tinubu has been called upon to urgently implement measures that will strengthen and safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.
 
The Christian Conscience, which made the call on Friday in Lagos, emphasised that the people determine the strength of democracy when participation is based on the progress of the nation.
 
The non-denominational organisation, while congratulating Nigerians on the occasion of Democracy Day, urged citizens to continue to hold political leaders accountable, reminding the government to always prioritise the welfare of the people.
 
The group said there are many lessons to learn from the June 12 struggle, adding that leadership is crucial but followership determines the tone.
  
A statement made available to journalists at the end of its monthly meeting and jointly signed by its National Chairman, Dr. Yetunde Akinluyi and National Secretary, Dr. Kolawole Verrals, the group said: “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.”
  
The group reminded government that Nigerians are demanding nothing extraordinary from their leaders beyond the basic necessities of a decent life.
 
“All Nigerians desire is a good quality of life, affordable housing, motorable roads, accessible and affordable healthcare, quality education, and adequate security that allow people to move freely and conduct their lawful businesses without fear.”
 
It added that Nigerians are resilient people who need only basic needs, noting that when those needs are met, they do nothing but contribute positively to national development and go about their daily activities in peace.
 
Warning that Nigerians should be concerned about building a nation of strength and growth for all, the group said 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 urged political leaders to be committed to national interest not just to live in affluence while the people they promised to govern continue to suffer hardship.
 
According to the group, the foundations of democracy become weakened and the nation risks social unrest in such a situation.
 
It, therefore, 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 but inclusive of all. Crime has no ethnicity. Also, Nigerians must stay to build, not abandon the ‘ship’ and lament,” the group added.