By Daniel Obaje
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged civil society organisations (CSOs) to remain steadfast in defending democratic values and promoting national development.
Akpabio made the call at the 1st Civil Society Summit on Civil Democracy and National Development in Abuja, with the theme: “Civil Society, Democracy and Governance Reforms: Building Sustainable Partnerships for National Development.
The senate president, represented by Sen. Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, said civil society has shown courage and consistency in defending order and the rule of law.
He said CSOs must continue to stand with reason and institutional honour, especially at a time when democracy is constantly tested.
“Democracy is not merely the counting of votes, it is the conservation of virtue. A development divorced from democracy is tyranny and a democracy without development is but a whisper in the wind.
“In the confrontation between the rule of law and the rule of ego, and between parliamentary order and populist spectacle, you have always stood on the side of truth.
“Let history record that when Nigeria trembled in the balance, men and women of conscience did not fall silent, you showed up, not in bitterness, but in responsibility.”
Also speaking, Sen. Shehu Sani, human rights activist, urged civil society to remain strategic and professional under a democratic system.
Sani called on CSOs to shift from being seen as opposition to being active and knowledgeable partners in the governance process.
“You are not here to fight the government, but to engage it. That means you must know the facts, the policies and the decisions coming out of the ministries.
“Those in government today, whether their elections were clean or not, are recognised globally as leaders. That changes your approach as civil society actors.
He urged civil society organisations to move beyond surface-level activism and engage with facts and institutional realities, adding that meaningful advocacy requires research, patience and a deep understanding of public policy
“Whether your focus is health, education, infrastructure or security, you have to understand the inner workings of government so your advocacy is credible and effective.”
In his remarks, Mr Sunday Dare, former Minister of Youth and Sports and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, said civil society must rise above agitation and focus on constructive engagement.
He said that with civil democracy comes greater expectations for civil society to educate, inform and build trust between the state and citizens.
“Too many good policies fail because citizens don’t understand them. That is where civil society comes in to bridge that gap.
“The civil society must ask itself, Are we helping to build trust and engagement or are we tearing down the very bridges needed to unite the country?
“You are not just watchdogs, you are translators of government policy to the people. That is an enormous responsibility that you have to carry.”
Also speaking, Mr Kenneth Okonkwo, a legal practitioner, urged civil society to remain united and move from passive consultation to active collaboration.
He called for deeper partnerships between civic groups and institutions of governance to deliver true reforms.
“The greatest strength of civil society is in their unity. If you allow them to divide you, they will defeat your purpose.
“We must go beyond reactive advocacy to strategic partnerships, if we want a democratic future, we must align democratic values with inclusive governance.
“This is the time to build a nation where justice, equity and unity are not just ideals, but lived realities.”
Blessing Akinlosotu, Executive Director of the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN), said that the Council would continue to uphold its ideal, including patriotism, accountability, good governance advocacy and active citizen participation in national development
NAN reports that the summit served as a platform for cross-sector dialogue on democratic accountability, civic engagement and inclusive national development. (NAN)
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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
