Politics
THE Omo Oduduwa Collective has urged President Bola Tinubu to match democratic ideals with tangible improvements in citizens’ welfare and security.
The group said Democracy Day should serve not only as a celebration of democratic rule but also as a reminder of government’s obligation to deliver good governance.
In a statement on Wednesday, the group said the President’s June 12 address contained inspiring rhetoric but failed to reflect the realities facing many Nigerians.
It said the administration’s claims of fiscal stability and increased revenues had not translated into improved living conditions for ordinary citizens.
According to the group, rising government revenues mean little when poverty, unemployment and declining purchasing power continue to affect millions.
It argued that economic reforms should not place disproportionate burdens on poor citizens while political and economic elites enjoy the benefits.
The group said the widening gap between the rich and poor had weakened the middle class and increased multidimensional vulnerabilities nationwide.
On security, the collective questioned government claims of progress against criminal elements despite persistent kidnappings and killings across the country.
It cited the abduction and killing of retired Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar as evidence of the worsening security situation.
According to the group, Abubakar’s death demonstrated that insecurity had reached alarming levels, affecting even senior military officers.
It said conflicting accounts surrounding the incident had deepened public concerns about the government’s handling of security challenges.
The collective also referenced the recent deaths of serving and retired military generals as indicators of systemic security failures.
It maintained that Nigeria’s security crisis stemmed from weak leadership, poor strategy and inadequate political will rather than funding constraints.
According to the group, no citizen can feel secure if high-ranking military officers are unable to guarantee their own safety.
The collective, however, commended ongoing constitutional efforts to establish state police across the federation.
It described the House of Representatives’ passage of the constitutional amendment on state police as a historic development.
The group urged the Senate to expedite concurrence on the amendment to facilitate presidential assent.
On civic freedoms, the collective welcomed Tinubu’s call for criticism and dissent but urged government agencies to uphold democratic rights.
It expressed concern over arrests of protesters and alleged maltreatment of citizens demanding accountability and good governance.
The group cited the recent attack on activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore as contradictory to the administration’s democratic message.
According to the collective, democracy cannot thrive where citizens face intimidation for expressing dissenting views.
It said the sacrifices of June 12 heroes secured Nigerians’ right to speak freely and participate in governance.
The group called on government to ensure democracy is reflected in improved livelihoods, security, electricity supply and electoral integrity.
It urged leaders to ensure that the struggles and sacrifices of both past heroes and present-day citizens are not ignored.
The statement was signed by Prof. Akinyemi Oladimeji, Convener; Dr Adeolu Oyekan, Group Administrator; and Kazeem Olasupo, Honorary Secretary.
Other signatories include Babafemi Ojudu, Dele Farotimi, Dr Olasunkanmi Olapeju, Samuel Arinloye Adebisi and Kayode Ogundamisi.
F.O
Tags: Deliver on democracy Democracy Day speech Omo Oduduwa Collective