By: Barr. Oluchukwu Green Nnabugwu, KSC, JP, Chairman, CAN
Youth Wing , Southern Zone. (June 12, 2020)
Following the handing over of power from the military to civilians in May 29, 1999, ( which obviously was the most enduring democratic dispensation in Nigeria’s history), “Democracy” was considered as the most desirable form of
government and man’s best idea on earth.
It is within this same democratic dispensation that the federal
government under the presidential leadership of General
Olusegun Obasanjo, set out a day to be observed as a national
holiday in commemoration of the re – enthronement of
DEMOCRACY in Nigeria after long era of military dictatorial rule.
May 29 was originally the official democracy day in Nigeria, however, on June 6, 2018, the President Buhari-led Federal Government of Nigeria declared June 12 to be the new Democracy Day. And on the 12th of June 2019, the democracy
day was first marked in honour of
the memory of Moshood Abiola, who won the June 12, 1993 election that was annulled by the military regime of Ibrahim Babangida.
Thus, setting aback the fanfare that greeted Nigeria’s Independence in 1960 which demonstrated hope and aspirations on the prospect of self-
governance, never did citizen knew that after decades, the country would continue to loom in its fundamental challenges of leadership, national unity and economic development.
It is saddened that after successive governments, the issue of security still pose a major hindrance to the country as there
have been increase mortalities caused by insurgency, Banditry, Farmer- herders clashes and most recently, the inflow of Almajiris in the southern part of the country.
It is on record that there is wanton destruction of properties,
unabated and incessant killings of unarmed citizens(most of
whom are Christian faithfuls) and kidnapping cases of Christian leaders; with the latest kidnapping case of the CAN chairman of Nasarawa State, Bishop Joseph Masin, by gunmen.
In all of these, the federal government seems not be fourth
coming in battling these many sided security challenges that is increasingly threatening our tender democracy.
Similarly, citizens and opinion leaders within the southern
region of Nigeria have expressed serious concern over the mass
exportation of Almajiris allegedly from the Northern part through trucks (used to convey food items) to the Southern region. The manner at which these Almajiris are flooding into the southern states has raised a grave of suspicion that they might give birth to another surge of militancy.
Sadly, the federal
government on its part has made no sincere effort to address this issue of potential national security threat either by words or actions.
Since the creation of Nigeria, the crisis of ethnicity and
corruption has also been and remains a strong factor that has dwindled the country, as the effects of unemployment
cannot also be overemphasized as it has increased criminality, arm
robbery, kidnapping and all sorts of evil vices.
Therefore, as we mark the 2020 Democracy Day today, there is
every need for us as individual citizens of this great nation with growing democracy, to deeply reflect on the state of our
national security and give our voices in advocating for CHANGE
where necessary in our security system. While urging the
federal government to urgently attend to the call from most
Nigerians and many quarters of the Nigerian society for
restructuring of our national security architecture .
Also, it will be a timely step in the right direction for state governments to consider, embrace and enforce ‘community
policing’ as it will help create job for the teeming youths as well as ensure that the lives and properties of its citizens are
secured at grass root levels; where the response of Nigerian Police to distress call hardly gets prompt and adequate attention.
Finally, as the coordinating platform of Christian youths within Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Southern Zone, we will not relent in our roles in advocacy, sensitization and capacity building, while calling on the youth to engage in meaningful economic endeavours like agribusiness and farming especially
in this COVID 19 pandemic period, in order to ensure food security.
Long Live Nigeria
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