HRPC, NUJ Tasks Nigerians to Elect Credible Leaders, Demand Accountability
By Odeya Ogbetuo
The Citizens Rights Concern Enhancement Initiative (Human Right Protection Congress) (HRPC), in conjunction with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Warri Correspondent Chapel, while marking Nigeria 66th Independent Anniversary urged Nigerians to elect credible leaders and demand accountability from them.
In his address at the NUJ Press Centre, Warri, Delta State, the chairman on the Board of Trustees of Citizens Rights Concern Enhancement Initiative, Ambassador (Pastor) Edewor Egedegbe said that with good leaders and collective efforts of all Nigerians, a hope of a better is assured.
According to him, the bane of good governance is corruption, ethnic militancy, pipeline vandalism, kidnapping, thuggery, child trafficking, lack of observance of the rule of law, honesty, transparency and violent ethno-religious crises. For democracy and good governance to thrive in Nigeria as a parameter to achieving rapid socio-economic development, the system must observe the rule of law, transparency and accountability.
With the theme: ‘Nigeria at 66, Good Governance, Electoral Integrity and the Protection of Human Rights’, Pastor Egedegbe harps on election, electoral integrity, and the people’s will, respect for the rule of law and protection of human right, stressing that sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom government through the Constitution derives all its power and authority. He stated that the vision of the organization was based on promotion of Nigeria society where the rights of every citizen are respected irrespective of tribe, religion, creed, social status or position.
“I am not in support of vote buying, but if you are given money for you to vote a particular candidate, you are free to collect it, but go and vote your conscience. These money are the public money they got through corruption in the government system”.
He noted that Nigeria at 66 should not be practicing epileptic democracy but rather modern democracy and good governance where basic amenities are provided, adding that every citizen should be allowed to freely elect leaders of their choice without intimidation, violence, victimization, and human rights of all citizen protected by government and its agencies as well as respect for and upholding the rule of law.
“As we look ahead to 2027 election lets vote for integrity, the best man for the job, lets vote our conscience, don’t sell your vote. We as an organization look forward to a free and fair 2027 election.
”The national coordinator of Citizens Rights Concern Enhancement Initiative, Ambassador Monday Enudi said that good governance must be measured by warfare and security of the citizens as well as road, infrastructure, security, and protection of life and properties of the citizens.
“Nigeria at 66 must be more than celebration of age. It must be a renewed commitment to the dignity, freedom, security and warfare of the Nigeria people. HRPC calls on the Federal and State Governments, Judiciary, INEC, security agencies, political parties, traditional institutions, civil society and citizens to uphold their respective responsibilities in building a nation governed by law and sustained by accountability. We reject political violence, intimidation, impunity, and disregard for lawful authority. We reaffirm our commitment to human rights, the rule of law, peaceful democratic participation, good governance and accountability.”
