By Charles Ayodele
The Nigerian Institute of Management Chartered (NIM) has called for a renewed commitment to transparency, accountability, inclusiveness and participatory governance as the hallmarks of a vibrant democracy.
This is contained in a statement by Mrs Taiwo Olusesi, Registrar, NIM, in Lagos.
Olusesi said that Dr Christiana Atako, President, NIM, made the call in commemoration of the nation’s Democracy Day.
According to her, it was pertinent to commemorate the occasion of Nigeria’s democracy day and as well acknowledge the country’s triumph of democracy over autocracy.
Atako said that NIM, as a professional body of managers, acknowledges the crucial role that democracy plays in promoting good governance, economic development and social justice.
She, therefore, urged political leaders, civil servants, and citizens to zealously guard this hard-earned” democratic heritage” and uphold the institutions that safeguard democracy.
“We commemorate our heroes past who fought and sacrificed for the democratic freedom we enjoy today.
“We must shun all forms of divisive and hate speech, and engage in constructive dialogue, compromise, and consensus-building for the common good.
“We implore our leaders to work together with the citizens to address the challenges facing our country, such as insecurity, corruption, poverty, unemployment, and infrastructure deficits.
“Together, we can build a better, prosperous and peaceful Nigeria that we all desire. Happy Democracy Day,” Atako said.
It be recalled that former President Muhammadu Buhari on June 6, 2018, declared June 12 as Nigeria’s democracy day instead of May 29 in honour of late Chief M.K.O Abiola.
Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election died in detention for an alleged treason.
The declaration followed many years of agitations by civil society groups that Abiola must be immortalised.
According to Buhari, the change was to remind all Nigerians of one free election after which the presumed winner along with Nigerians were denied their rights and choices.
