…..Says Edo people must be treated with dignity and respect
Kingsley Ohens
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been urged by the Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa to adhere to democratic values and prevent partisan politics from derailing them.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Coalition reminded the president of his democratic promises, emphasizing that the Edo State governorship election will test his commitment to democracy and oppression-free elections.
Mr. John Mayaki, the Coalition’s Country Director, urged the President, through a signed statement, to keep the promises he made to the nation.
The statement said. “Mr. President, you promised to build democratic values and uphold the rule of law. We urge you to put this into practice during Saturday’s election in Edo State.
“Mr. President, you pledged to create a Nigeria where no citizen is oppressed”.
“Your words, Mr. President, were clear: ‘I will continue to serve our interest and build on the democratic values and structures that we inherited.’
“You also said, ‘I take on this vital task without fear or favour, and I commit myself to this work until we have built a Nigeria where no man is oppressed.’
President Tinubu’s statement that democracy is more than just periodic elections – that it’s a way of life involving freedom, liberty, and non-violent resolution of differences – must be more than rhetoric. It must be realized, especially in the Edo election.
“Mr. President, you assured us: ‘I shall always listen to the people and will never turn my back on you. We believe in democracy and freedom.’
“You declared Mr. President that, ‘We did not seek to oppress or crack down on the people as a dictatorial government would have done,’ and that you’re ‘working to expand cooperation on shared goals and democratic values.’
“Mr. President, you reminded us that ‘we must reflect on the sacrifices made by many to achieve democracy and sustain it.’
“We urge you, Mr. President, to continue to uphold our democracy where all citizens have the freedom to express themselves without friction, use of brute force and intimidation of the opposition”, Mayaki said.
