Kingsley Ohens
The Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to uphold his commitment to democratic values, ensuring that partisan politics does not derail these principles.
In a statement issued on Sunday ahead of the upcoming Edo State governorship election, the Coalition reminded the president of his own words and pledges to democracy, stressing that “Edo’s election will further prove Mr. President’s commitment while expecting that no one is being oppressed before, during and after the elections.”
The statement, signed by the Coalition’s Country Director, Mr. John Mayaki called on the President to uphold the promises he made to the nation on several occasions.
The statement said. “Mr. President, you promised to build democratic values and uphold the rule of law. We urge you to put this into practice during Saturday’s election in Edo State.
“Mr. President, you pledged to create a Nigeria where no citizen is oppressed”.
“Your words, Mr. President, were clear: ‘I will continue to serve our interest and build on the democratic values and structures that we inherited.’
“You also said, ‘I take on this vital task without fear or favour, and I commit myself to this work until we have built a Nigeria where no man is oppressed.’
President Tinubu’s statement that democracy is more than just periodic elections – that it’s a way of life involving freedom, liberty, and non-violent resolution of differences – must be more than rhetoric. It must be realized, especially in the Edo election.
“Mr. President, you assured us: ‘I shall always listen to the people and will never turn my back on you. We believe in democracy and freedom.’
“You declared Mr. President that, ‘We did not seek to oppress or crack down on the people as a dictatorial government would have done,’ and that you’re ‘working to expand cooperation on shared goals and democratic values.’
“Mr. President, you reminded us that ‘we must reflect on the sacrifices made by many to achieve democracy and sustain it.’
“We urge you, Mr. President, to continue to uphold our democracy where all citizens have the freedom to express themselves without friction, use of brute force and intimidation of the opposition”, Mayaki said.
