In a bid to sentitise the people on the concept of democracy and the importance of free and fair elections in enthroning the will of the people, encouraging political liberalisation, as well as enabling political transformation for stability and progress in Nigeria, the Justice Development and Peace Center, JDPC, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos held a colloquium, Monday to mark the 2022 Democracy Day. The colloquium which had as its theme, “Prebendal politics, challenges of national consensus: Elections as a galvanising force social transformation, gave room for a robust interactive session from speakers, as well as guests on the occasion. Rev. Fr. Raymond Anoliefo, Director, JDPC, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos said democracy in Nigeria has a history with repeated suspension of the constitutionally guaranteed right of citizens to vote during military dictatorships and other dubious means of derogating from this sacred right during civilian rule.
He said: “Yet, this nation’s resilience continues to propel our struggle and has precipitated this colloquium.” He noted that democracy made manifest during elections is not all there is, as he added that there are electoral laws and processes integral for elections that are transparent, inclusive, accountable and brimming with equitable opportunities for candidates to compete in. Rev. Fr. Gabriel Odunaya, National Chaplain, Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria, CYON, said the future of Nigeria is in the hands of the people, as he appealed and begged the people sincerely to shun everything that will jeopardize the progress of the nation. Recalling how people doled out dollars at the just concluded primaries of political parties, he stated that those in authority will do everything possible to retain power. He said atrocious acts are happening in the country because no one is checkmating anybody.
“We are using this strategy to checkmate ourselves to say how far? How are you faring? Will you like to continue like this? Anywhere you turn to in this country, you see sorrows and tears, and I think this has to stop”, he said. He urged parents to talk to their children, as he assured that they who are priests will continue to do the needful on the pulpit. He said Bishop Ona, Catholic Bishop of Nsuka addressing the people said to them. ‘I want you people to suffer at least for this eight hours, struggle to get your PVC, register, struggle, face the pain, face the sorrow at that moment. It is better for you to go through this for eight hours than to face this suffering for another eight years. Urging the young people not to be deceived, he added that the future is now and that no matter the different ideologies that they have, they should think for the common good, which is superior to the individual good.
He said: “Until we come together, act as one, we will remain where we have been, where we are. In his Keynote Speech, Bar. Dele Farotimi criticized the current crop of leaders, who he said are the enemies of Nigeria, as they pretend to rule the country. According to him, “Pretence of leaders of having a democracy is why we have periodic elections. A feudal system has taken over the country.” The event had in attendance INEC representative, Mr. Olusegun Agbaje, also other speakers including Dr. Bala Zaka among other speakers and guests.
