*silence on peaceful protesters a missed opportunity
*president’s silence on electoral reforms: deafening
By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
President Tinubu’s Independence Day speech fell short of expectations, particularly in addressing the plight of peaceful protesters and prisoners of conscience.
A statement by the National Secretary, CUPP, Chief Peter Ameh said that by not acknowledging their struggles, the president missed an opportunity to uphold the fundamental principles of democracy.
“Dissent and protests are essential components of a healthy democracy and ignoring them undermines the very foundation of our democratic society.
“Furthermore, while President Tinubu acknowledged the suffering of Nigerians, he failed to take responsibility for the untold hardship caused by the removal of fuel subsidies through an impulsive process. This decision has exacerbated the economic challenges facing the country,” Chief Ameh said.
He pointed out that to truly address Nigeria’s problems, the government must prioritize the development of a robust agricultural sector.
“This is the only sustainable solution to our economic woes. Anything less will lead us down the same path that has brought us to this point,” he added.
He recalled that in his Democracy Day speech, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of economic democracy, stating that “the realisation of our economic democracy” is essential.
” However, actions speak louder than words. The government must take concrete steps to support farmers, invest in agricultural infrastructure, and promote economic diversification.
“The president’s speech also highlighted the sacrifices of past heroes who fought for democracy. Yet, by not addressing the current struggles of peaceful protesters, he failed to honor their legacy,” he recalled.
The CUPP National Secretary who was a IPAC. noted that as Nigeria celebrates another year of independence, it is crucial to reflect on our democratic values and principles.
“We must hold our leaders accountable for their actions and demand that they prioritize the well-being of all Nigerians.
“We must take these steps, if we intend to build a stronger, more inclusive democracy that honors the sacrifices of our past heroes and promotes a brighter future for all Nigerians,” he advised.
The ex presidential candidate lamented that Nigeria’s flawed leadership recruitment process is indeed a major concern, and it all stems from the lack of credible elections.
“The fact that people can simply rewrite election results undermines the very foundation of democracy. It’s alarming that the president has refused to address electoral reforms, causing widespread worry and concern among citizens.
“The issues with Nigeria’s electoral process are multifaceted. For instance, the Electoral Act 2022 aimed to increase transparency, but the 2023 presidential and National Assembly elections still fell short of expectations. Logistical failures, voter registration challenges, inadequate communication, and unchecked political violence marred the process.
“To move forward, Nigeria needs to prioritize electoral reforms. This includes addressing the issues mentioned above and ensuring that the electoral process is free, fair, and transparent. The president’s refusal to acknowledge these concerns only adds to the frustration,” he stressed.
According to him, ” It’s heartening to see that Nigerians remain committed to democracy, with voters showing remarkable resilience and resolve . However, it’s crucial that the government takes concrete steps to address these concerns and ensure that the leadership recruitment process truly reflects the will of the people.
“The President must show that he is a democrat and Developmental leaders when he takes the following steps.
– Recognize the importance of peaceful protests and dissent in a democratic society.
– Address the plight of prisoners of conscience and work towards their release.
– Develop a robust agricultural sector to ensure economic sustainability.
– Prioritize the well-being of all Nigerians, particularly those struggling due to economic hardship.” He submitted.
