By Clara Egbogota

The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA),an NGO, has appealed to President Bola  Tinubu to ensure  his administration worked to protect and defend  citizens’ democratic rights.

Mr Oluwafemi Akinbode, Executive Director of CAPPA, said this in a statement signed by Mr Zikora Ibeh, Policy and Research Officer and  made available to newsmen in Asaba.

According to him, the struggle against the annulment of June 12 can be met,  when Nigerians can choose their leaders in a free, fair, and transparent process devoid of violence, ethnic and religious hatred.

“The President can demonstrate his avowed belief in democracy if he selflessly delivers the dividends of democracy to all Nigerians regardless of social status or ethnic, religious and political affiliation.

“June 12 stands as a symbol of Nigerians’ steadfast struggle against military despotism and for democratic governance. 

“While it is important to recognise and honour the heroes of this remarkable struggle, we believe Nigerians need to fully enjoy their democratic rights in the selection of who governs them.

“They also must begin to feel the dividends of democracy for which they sweated, struggled and died during those long years of street battles and protests against the military rule.

“It has been over 24 years since democratic rule was restored in Nigeria but it is arguable whether the form of governance that exists in Nigeria today can be described as a democracy or simply civilian rule.

“While there has been some marked progress in terms of a thriving multiparty democracy and regular elections, Nigeria’s record of human rights violations has not fundamentally improved,’” he said.

He urged the present administration not to just pay homage to the legacy of June 12 but work selflessly to ensure that democracy meant more than just regular elections but a better life for all Nigerians.

“With the recent removal of fuel subsidy, the administration must work seriously to ensure that poor Nigerians are not adversely affected by rising prices of petrol and daily utilities. 

“We urge the administration to ensure the judicious use of savings from subsidy removal to alleviate the sufferings that the policy has inadvertently caused ordinary people.

“The new administration should increase the minimum wage for all categories of workers and make substantial investments in socially beneficial infrastructural projects to enhance the living standards of all Nigerians,”  Oluwafemi said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Edith Bolokor/Chioma Ugboma