Media Rights Agenda (MRA) on Monday called on Governments in Nigeria to rededicate themselves to strengthening democratic institutions, safeguarding civic space, protecting free expression and ensuring the free flow of information as essential pillars of democracy as it joined the global community in commemorating this year’s International Day 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 marginalization of women in governance at all levels, MRA stressed that gender equality is not only a human right but also a fundamental requirement for a resilient and inclusive democracy.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/62/7 on November 8, 2007, in which it decided to observe September 15 of each year as the International Day of Democracy and invited all UN Member States, organizations of the UN system, regional and intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations and individuals to commemorate the Day in an appropriate manner that contributes to raising public awareness.
In a statement issued in Lagos to mark the 18th anniversary of the Day, Mr. John Gbadamosi, MRA’s Programme Officer, 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.”
According to him, “Democracy thrives when all citizens, women and men alike, are able to 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, just, and accountable Nigeria we all desire.”
Mr. Gbadamosi identified Nigeria’s current democratic challenges to include a shrinking civic space where dissent and critical opinions are not tolerated, rising disinformation, and frequent attacks on journalists which threaten to undermine democratic gains, adding that “Democracy cannot thrive where citizens lack access to information, where the media is under attack, and where voices critical of those in power are silenced.”
He said corruption has become one of the biggest betrayals of Nigeria’s democracy, noting that although every new government has vowed to fight corruption, public resources continue to disappear, enriching a few while leaving millions in poverty, with the result that instead of democracy delivering prosperity, corruption has deepened inequality and eroded people’s trust in democracy.”
Although he acknowledged that Nigeria has made some progress since the return to democratic rule as the country has experienced the longest stretch of civilian rule in its history, marked by peaceful transfers of power, he contended that recent developments, including the rampant harassment of journalists, growing intolerance of dissent, and inadequate implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011, show that the democratic culture is yet to mature and remains fragile.
But Mr. Gbadamosi argued that “although democracy has not yet delivered its full dividends in Nigeria, it still offers the best path forward for the country as through collective step by step action, we can build a democracy that works for everyone.”
In order to strengthen and sustain Nigeria’s democracy, he urged the Federal and State Governments to guarantee freedom of expression and media freedom by ending attacks, harassment, and censorship of journalists and media workers; fully implementing the FOI Act to ensure transparency and accountability in governance; and safeguard digital rights and Internet freedom by enacting rights-respecting regulations that foster access, innovation, and citizen participation.
Mr. Gbadamosi called on governments to promote women’s political participation by adopting affirmative measures to increase women’s representation in elective and appointive offices, stressing that “Gender equality must be built step by step, through laws, policies, and everyday practices that dismantle discrimination and create equal opportunities for women and men. Only then can we truly say that our democracy is inclusive and representative.”
In addition, he said, governments should combat disinformation and protect information integrity through inclusive, multi-stakeholder approaches that empower citizens to identify and resist falsehoods without stifling legitimate speech; and protect civic space by ensuring that civil society organizations and citizens can freely associate, assemble, criticize governments and government officials, and participate in democratic governance without fear of reprisals.
Mr. Gbadamosi urged ordinary citizens, civil society organizations, the media, and the international community to remain vigilant in defending Nigeria’s democratic institutions and practices, emphasizing that democracy must be nurtured daily through collective action and respect for fundamental rights.
