As Nigerians mark the 26th anniversary of Democracy Day, the Civil Society Coalition for Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI) has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct his appointees to place the welfare of ordinary Nigerians at the centre of governance.
In a statement signed by its Director-General, Kunle Yusuff, the coalition hailed the resilience of the Nigerian people and the progress recorded in democratic governance, but stressed that more must be done to meet the basic needs of citizens.
“Today, we celebrate Democracy Day, a milestone in our nation’s journey towards freedom, justice, and equality. As civil society organizations under the CSCHEI platform, we commend the resilience of our people and the modest gains made so far,” the statement read.
CSCHEI urged the federal government to ensure that all ministries, departments, and agencies integrate mass welfare considerations and grassroots needs assessment into their budget planning and implementation.
“We urge Mr. President to direct all his appointees to prioritize the welfare of the masses, listen to their cries, and address their needs with sincerity and urgency. The people must be at the centre of government policy and implementation,” Yusuff stated.
The coalition also used the occasion to rally citizens to take pride in the nation’s diversity and potential, calling on Nigerians to embrace unity and patriotism while demanding accountability from those in power.
“As we commemorate this day, we also call on INEC, security agencies, and all stakeholders to uphold justice, fairness, and integrity in their duties. We encourage accredited CSOs to continue monitoring elections, promoting transparency, and holding leaders accountable,” CSCHEI added.
The group underscored that Democracy Day is not merely a symbolic date but a reminder of the country’s hard-won democratic journey, particularly the June 12, 1993 presidential election — widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll — and the struggle that followed its annulment.
According to the coalition, Democracy Day should serve as a moment for sober reflection, civic participation, and renewed commitment to the democratic ideals of accountability, good governance, and inclusion.
“From a civil society point of view, Democracy Day is a call to action. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the progress made, identify the gaps, and challenge ourselves — as citizens and as leaders — to build a better Nigeria. Let us all be patriotic,” Yusuff concluded.
CSCHEI reaffirmed its commitment to advocacy, civic education, and grassroots engagement as critical tools in building a more just and equitable Nigeria.
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