Media Group Urges Protection Of Free Expression

A group, Media Rights Agenda (MRA), has called on Nigerian governments to rededicate themselves to strengthening democratic institutions as the world marks International Democracy Day.

The group urged the government to safeguard civic space, protect free expression and ensure the free flow of information as essential pillars of democracy.

Noting that this year’s theme, “Achieving Gender Equality, Action by Action,” is particularly relevant for Nigeria, where there has been a scandalous marginalisation of women in governance at all levels.
MRA stressed that gender equality is a human right and a fundamental requirement for a resilient and inclusive democracy.

In November 2007, the United Nations General Assembly set September 15 of each year as the International Day of Democracy and invited all UN member states, organisations of the UN system, regional and intergovernmental organisations, non-governmental organisations and individuals to mark the day to contribute to raising public awareness.

In a statement issued to mark the 18th anniversary of the event, MRA’s programme officer, Mr. John Gbadamosi, said, “As we mark this year’s International Democracy Day, we wish to remind our leaders at all levels of government that democracy is more than elections; it is about creating an open society where transparency and accountability, equal participation, and human rights are guaranteed.

“Democracy thrives when all citizens, women and men, can participate equally in shaping their societies.

“Unfortunately, Nigerian women continue to face disproportionate barriers in politics, governance, and the media, among other sectors. Structural inequalities, gender-based violence, online harassment, and under-representation in decision-making processes undermine both women’s rights and the quality of Nigeria’s democracy. Achieving gender equality, step by step and action by action, is central to building the open, and accountable Nigeria we all desire,” he said.