Rights Activist Tasks Leaders On Democracy Dividends

A Social Crusader and
Rights Activist, Mr. Patts Obienne has urged Nigerian leaders to address issues that would eliminate poverty, inequality and social injustice and provide democracy dividends in the country.
Obinenne who stated this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt, Saturday, also blamed past leaders in the African continent and Nigeria in particular for the rising wave of corruption and insecurity in the African society.
He called on the leaders to commit more efforts in the fight against extreme poverty, corruption, injustice and inequality in the society.
“I found out that African leaders always give the ugly impression that public office is their father’s property. That is how African leaders including Nigerian leaders look at democratic government, which is terribly not good for the development of African continent”, Obinenne lamented.
He enjoined Nigerian leaders to create enabling environment for Civil Society Organisations and other stakeholders to come up with economic development strategies for the growth of democracy in the country.
Obienne also called on governments to respect and encourage civil society, non-governmental organisations, and community based stakeholders to provide an economic development plan that can reduce extreme poverty and insecurity and as well maintain democracy in the country.
Also speaking, the Co-ordinator of Ethics and Conducts Group in Rivers State, Hon. Samuel Oneoron said the rule of law is an integral part of democracy, insisting that no country can enjoy democracy if the rule of law was not followed accordingly.

Enoch Epelle