The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu, says that democracy only flourishes when citizens’ rights to active participation in governance are respected.
Ojukwu told journalists on Monday at a news briefing on the annual June 12 memorial lecture in honour of late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu in Abuja that peaceful protests and assemblies are fundamental democratic expressions.
Ojukwu explained that the briefing is aimed at formally informing Nigerians and the International community about the forthcoming Annual June 12 Memorial Lecture.
Ojukwu stated that the lecture, which comes up on June 9, is titled ‘Electoral Integrity and the Future of Credible Elections in Nigeria’ and that it is coming at a significant period in Nigeria’s democratic journal.
According to him, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has brought its timetable for the next elections and that the lecture is both timely and forward-looking and provides important platform for election managers, political actors among others to humbly reflect on credible elections.
”The National Human Rights Commission strongly believes that democracy can only thrive where citizens’ rights to participation and assembly are respected.
”Where institutions are strengthened, justice prevails, and electoral processes remain transparent, inclusive, and credible.
”Electoral integrity is therefore not only a political issue, but also a fundamental human rights concern,” he said.
Ojukwu noted that the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election remained one of the most defining moments in Nigeria’s democratic history.
According to him, It symbolises the collective aspiration of Nigerians for justice, transparency, accountability, national unity and democratic freedom.
”The sacrifices associated with that democratic struggle continues to inspire democratic advocacy and institutional reforms in Nigeria today,” he said, adding that the event was organised by the NHRC in collaboration with the Prof. Humphrey Nwosu Centre for Democracy and Human Rights.
GIK/APA