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DR Joseph Ochogwu, Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Abuja, says democracy is the key to achieving peace, national stability and sustainable development in Nigeria.
Ochogwu disclosed this in a statement on Friday to commemorate June 12 Democracy Day, stressing that the nation’s democratic journey remained a critical foundation for unity and progress.
Ochogwu said that June 12 represented a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic history and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made in the struggle for civil rule.
He noted that the lessons of history demand stronger commitment from both government and citizens to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure the dividends of democracy are felt across all levels of society.
According to him, democratic governance can only deliver peace when institutions, structures and citizens operate within the principles of accountability, inclusiveness and shared responsibility.
“All government processes, institutions and structures must be aligned with democratic principles and focused on effective service delivery to the people.
“On the other hand, the people must also be responsible enough to support government programmes and activities so that there can be a shared commitment to the sustenance and consolidation of democracy,” he said.
Ochogwu also added that Nigeria’s democratic journey was not only a domestic responsibility but also reflected in its foreign policy direction.
He said that democracy remained one of the cardinal pillars of President Bola Tinubu’s foreign policy agenda, adding that Nigeria’s support for democratic ideals extends beyond its borders.
“One of the cardinal points of President Bola Tinubu’s foreign policy agenda is democracy, which means that the country is fully aligned with democratic principles and practices.
“It is not only supporting democracy locally but internationally, which is why the country is calling for the democratization of the United Nations systems to make it more responsive to global dynamics,” he said.
Furthermore, he noted that at the domestic level, democracy must remain participatory, inclusive and responsive to the needs of citizens.
“Locally, we must ensure that our democracy is participatory, inclusive and responsive to the needs of citizens, while also promoting effective service delivery by the government,” he added.
Ochogwu said that when democratic principles were properly aligned, they created the foundation for stability, national cohesion and lasting peace.
He called for renewed commitment to peacebuilding, dialogue and unity, especially in view of prevailing national challenges and pockets of conflict across the country.
According to him, democracy cannot thrive in an atmosphere of division and unrest.
He urged Nigerians to embrace democratic values not only as a political system but as a culture of mutual responsibility, tolerance and collective progress.
Ochogwu said that the June 12 democratic legacy was a reminder of the enduring need to protect and deepen democratic governance in Nigeria.(NAN)
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