As Nigeria marks 60 years of independence, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), says the diversity of Nigeria can be built on to become a source of strength.
In a press statement signed by the Director, Idayat Hassan, CDD congratulated Nigerians on the landmark 60th anniversary, saying that despite the current situation in which the country’s diversity is being depicted as the source of unending sectarian conflicts and instability, it can indeed be a source of strength.
“While it may be true that the realities have dashed expectations and led citizens to question the very basis of Nigeria’s existence as a country, it is also true that if citizens unite, and bond together to speak and act with a common voice, the challenges will be much easier to overcome.” The statement read
According CDD , Nigerians no matter their ethnic background or cultural differences, face the same problems.
“The same problems of hunger, poverty, malnutrition, maternal mortality, lack of infrastructure and human rights abuse, which are the reality for many ordinary Nigerians of Kanuri extraction, are the same challenges confronting other ordinary Nigerians of Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and Ijaw extractions. The same consequences of lack of transparency and accountability in governance that is affecting the ordinary Nigerian in the South, are the same as what the people in North are facing.”
CDD believes the energy being expended by separatist groups for the purpose of the breakup of the country, would be better applied to uniting the country and making it work for the good of all.
According to the organisation, “Nigeria’s democracy, if properly nurtured will become the instrument for the realisation of our long sought-after national goals and aspirations.”
Speaking on governance, CDD says “the right leadership can harness the diversity, creativity and boundless energies of the Nigerian population and make these attributes the basis of a strong, stable and efficient federation anchored around the rule of law and popular participation.”
According to CDD, democratic process should not be reduced to the ritual of periodic elections.
The organisation called on Nigerians to participate, and get their voices heard in order to ensure democracy delivers on governance.
“This generation of Nigerians must work to fulfil the mission of realising the manifest destiny of the country.” The statement read
According to CDD, 60 years after the attainment of independence, Nigeria’s democracy should begin to head in the direction of delivering quality, efficient and effective social goods and services to the long-suffering citizens of the country.
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