By Ed Malik, A | ed@ddnewsonline.com |
posted August 08, 2024
The Niger Delta Budget Monitoring Group (NDEBUMOG), foremost advocacy non-governmental organization, has emphasized the importance of upholding civic and human rights in Nigeria, urging the federal government and key stakeholders to align with the United Nations’ principles on democratic engagement.
The call was made during a two-day civic space protection training organized by NDEBUMOG, supported by Oxfam in Nigeria, held at Umneak Hotel, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on July 29th and 30th, 2024.
The event, themed ‘Fair-For-All’ (F4A), brought together members of the Nigerian Civic Protection Alliance (NCSPA), Shadow Budget Groups, civil society organizations, women’s groups, and grassroots stakeholders. The training aimed to strengthen and harmonize voices that influence public policy in Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
Keynote speakers and participants discussed the unique challenges facing democracy under the current government, emphasizing the need for meaningful dialogue to deepen democratic practices and ensure they deliver greater benefits to citizens.
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The organizers also introduced key concepts like Fair for All (F4A) and Power of Voices (PVP) Pathways, which are seen as crucial frameworks for Nigeria to engage with global opportunities through community-driven protocols and shared objectives.
During the technical session, some the papers presented, emphasized the need to understand the activities of the Nigeria Civic Space Protection Alliance (NCSPA) and its relationship with human rights in a democratic setting. There were robust discussions on situational dynamics and challenges of civic space in Nigeria, as it is anchor on which NCSPA can hoist its strategic agenda.
Other key highlights included, Human Rights of Citizens and the Role of National Parliament. This is an overview of the parliament’s role in policy reforms that safeguard citizens’ rights, monitoring government action to prevent encroachment into civic space, enquiries/protection against rights violation, protection of whistleblowers, promoting transparency in governance, and international cooperation. A critical examination of the Police Act 2020 would complement other programs of civic engagements aimed to promote rights protection for the citizens.
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During the two-day training sessions, participants also addressed the security challenges in Nigeria and their impact on the nation’s democracy. The group expressed concern over the potential consequences of these security issues, warning against any advocacy for regime change through military intervention. They emphasized that military rule is outdated and incompatible with the globally accepted norm of democracy. Instead, the group advocated for resolving political matters through constitutional means, urging politicians and citizens alike to engage in legal and democratic processes.
In the communiqué issued at the conclusion of the event, participants commended NDEBUMOG and Oxfam for organizing the training, and called for more such stakeholder forums in the future. The event was moderated by High Chief (Dr.) George-Hill Anthony, CEO of the Niger Delta Budget Monitoring Group, and Mr. Stiv Obodoekwe, a member of the Nigeria Civic Space Protection Alliance.