The Nigerian government’s discontinuation of treasonable felony charges against activist Omoyele Sowore and his co-defendant is a victory for human rights defenders in the country.
Development Diaries reports that the Nigerian government, represented by the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, submitted a notice of discontinuance, to the Federal High Court in Abuja.
For us, this development should inspire active citizen participation in governance for the greater good of the country.
Sowore deserves our commendation for his perseverance throughout the legal process and for relentlessly demanding accountability from the government at various levels. This is an example of active citizen involvement in governance.
Civic participation forms the cornerstone of a vibrant democracy, and Nigerian citizens hold the key to shaping the future of their nation through active engagement.
Without citizens’ active involvement in governance, the voices of ordinary Nigerians risk being overshadowed by the interests of a few, leading to policies that may not serve the broader public interest or good.
In a true democracy, you as citizens are not just passive observers but active participants. By engaging in the governance process, you can contribute to shaping policies and decisions that affect your lives.
Sowore is known for organising peaceful protests to voice his concerns on issues affecting the Nigerian people.
You, too, as citizens can be active by demanding better governance and holding public officers and institutions accountable.
For instance, in a country like Nigeria, with a rich history of activism and struggle for human rights and social justice, peaceful demonstrations play a crucial role in shaping public discourse and pushing for meaningful reforms.
Additionally, it is important to point out that effective governance requires the input and collaboration of all stakeholders, including citizens. Therefore, the government at all levels must not be threatened by citizens’ demands for improvement in governance for greater societal development.
Development Diaries calls on Nigerians to actively participate in governance by demanding transparency, accountability, and policies aimed at improving their collective well-being.
Finally, our message to President Bola Tinubu and other public officers is clear: ensure that citizens’ rights to peaceful protest and freedom of expression are respected, just as we urge you and other government officials to encourage public participation in governance to stimulate effective policy formulation and service delivery.
Photo source: Omoyele Sowore
