YIAGA Africa has charged the government to renegotiate a new social compact with Nigerians in light of the declined trust in its institutions over the past 25 years of Nigeria’s democratic experience.
In its Democracy Day message yesterday, the civil society organisation said renegotiating the social compact can create a more inclusive society with equal opportunities and access to resources as well as emphasize shared values and responsibilities, fostering community and solidarity among citizens.
Executive director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, who signed the statement, however paid special tribute to our forefathers and mothers who led the struggle for democracy, adding that their courage and resistance to authoritarian rule paved the way for the enthronement of democracy.
On the imperative of negotiating a new social compact with citizens, Itodo said, “Trust in government and institutions has declined over the past 25 years. A new social compact can help restore this trust by making governance more transparent, accountable, and responsive to citizens’ needs.
“Renegotiating the social compact can create a more inclusive society with equal opportunities and access to resources for all. “It can also emphasize shared values and responsibilities, fostering community and solidarity among citizens. This is crucial for addressing collective challenges such as public health crises, security threats, economic depression, political exclusion and social cohesion.
“After 25 years, it is clear that Nigeria needs to build a more resilient, equitable, and just society. “As we celebrate this milestone, we call on all stakeholders – government, political parties, civil society, and the private sector – to negotiate a new social compact with citizens. “This social compact should aim to achieve the following objectives; Improve social conditions through wealth redistribution, job creation, and food security; Safeguard the right to vote and respects choices expressed through the ballot. “Strengthen local governance by devolving powers to local governments, promoting local democracy, and enabling citizen participation; Deepen public accountability and ensure consequences for breaches of public trust; Protect human rights and civil liberties, especially press freedom, freedom of expression, and the right to peaceful assembly,” he noted. On the way forward, the Executive Director said there is a need to strengthen Institutions by reinforcing the independence and capacity of democratic institutions, including INEC, the judiciary, and anti-corruption bodies, to operate without fear or favor.
