07/03/2019
Nigeria is presently in a very sensitive period. Emotions are high. Nerves are frayed. People are aggrieved, just as much as some others are satisfied with much of recent happenings, especially the outcome of last Saturday’s elections.
Well, the elections are not over yet. The governorship and states house of assemblies’ elections are still ahead. Next Saturday.
However, beyond elections, what does the future hold for Nigeria and Nigerians? After our new elected officials assume office, what will Nigeria become? Will we make progress, will we stay stunted, or will we retrogress?
The past few months were very active and engaging as countless political aspirants and candidates took their electioneering campaigns to the doorsteps of Nigerians.
They made promises. They canvassed for votes. Nigerians obliged. Now what next?
All over the world, societies have thrived and made progress only when the people have realized and owned their civic duty of holding their leaders accountable to their pre-election words and the demands of their offices. Public officials are public servants, men and women mandated by the people to serve them.
Everybody can’t be a leader, so we elect a few who promise to serve our collective interests and thrust us toward the future we all desire. It is a between the people and their leaders.
The people acknowledge their duties of being responsible citizens who uphold their civic demands of voting, paying taxes, being productive, and demanding transparency and accountability from their government. Whereas, the government undertakes to serve the people’s interests by delivering on their contract with the people who voted them.
This is why we launched the Nigerian to make Nigerians realize that . Beyond elections, every Nigerian (citizen and government official) has a duty to Nigeria.
The Nigerian is a culmination of series of consultation with Nigerian civil society, community and professional groups on how to reverse the deterioration of Nigeria’s democracy and the destruction of livelihood support systems in the country.
At these consultations, Nigerian civil society leaders, particularly young leaders, expressed deep disappointment and despair at the prospect of democratic governance that can deliver liberty, prosperity and peace for them.
These consultations have now resulted in a proposition for citizens who hold the key to the future of Nigeria. That key is democratic accountability.
The Nigerian establishes a framework for this accountability by defining rights, duties and responsibilities that govern the exercise of political power in Nigeria. We believe that Nigeria deserves better, and only with the concerted efforts of all Nigerians can we achieve that betterment, enjoy it, and bequeath same to our children.
This is a call to participate in a cause that the future will be grateful to you for. This is beyond 2019. It’s a journey. It is a marathon. But it has begun.