A section of pro-democracy activists has expressed concern over the plight of over 133 million Nigerians lacking access to their basic needs as human beings.
At a joint press conference on Tuesday held in Abuja, Director of Programme of the Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), Yemisi Nathaniel, noted that it is saddening that global statistics reveal the presence and impact of multidimensional poverty among the vast majority of Nigerians.
She remarked that although Nigeria may not be at the bottom of the poverty index, its position highlights a paradox of poverty amidst abundance, given Nigeria’s mineral and human resources and diversity, which should be a strength rather than a tool for political manipulation and lack of accountability by those in power.
The briefing by WRAPA in partnership with African Centre for leadership, strategy & development (Centre LSD) supported by MacArthur Foundation, presents the next steps following the pubic presentation of the outcomes of a reform-driven initiative; the Civic Space, Poverty & Election (CISPEN).
She observed that the outcomes of the CISPEN project highlight the resilience of Nigerians, who are willing to overcome the odds and reject handouts, inducements, or vote-buying to elect individuals of integrity, commitment, and concern for the welfare of citizens.
The pro-democracy activists observed that the process of the appointment of its Chairperson and Federal Commissioners has remained a concern, especially its independence, adding that the outcomes of the CISPEN project point clearly to the need for the injection of steps in the process of the appointment of the INEC Chair to instil confidence and prove wrong, widely held public perceptions of external influences.
They insist that democracy cannot thrive in Nigeria without civic freedoms, empowered citizens free from poverty, and credible electoral institutions. They called on the Executive and Legislature to urgently incorporate the recommendations from the policy briefs and memoranda into the ongoing Constitutional and Legislative reforms.
They also called on the Judiciary to uphold its role as the guardian and protector of democracy and the rights of citizens to speak and demand accountability of their elected leaders.
Stressing the need by INEC to courageously embrace neutrality, openness, and institutional operational and oversight reforms, they charged the Civil Society and the Media to remain vigilant in educating, mobilising, and holding leaders accountable.
They added: “Citizens, especially women and youth, should be vigilant and resilient, resist short-term inducements for vote-buying and selling, while upholding their rights to demand accountability. Together, we can build a Nigeria where elections reflect the true will of the people, where poverty is not politicised, and where civic freedoms flourish.”
