Blame Democratic Stagnation On Endless Court Litigations

The Executive Director, Centre for Social Transformation and Human Development (CHDST), Rev Fr Polycarp Henetu, has attributed the stagnant democratic growth the country is witnessing to endless court litigations after each electioneering season.
Henetu spoke during the CHDST and KONARD ADENAUER STIFUND’s project our future Peace Campaign on Democracy and Peace held in Port Harcourt recently.
He pointed out that peace is a major driving force, if Nigeria has plans to actualise sustainable democracy .
According to him, those that cause violence in the society are those without stake while those with stake seek and maintain peace.
To change the storyline for young people, he said the provision of quality education must be considered at all levels.
“We have to review and stay updated. Education is meant to inspire us. Mobilise resources in order to influence societal norms”, he said.
Other speakers at the event, also charged young people to always stand up for their rights and defend them at all levels.
They were of the view that it was only those who know their rights that could speak of such when violated.
To the girl child, they said one of their rights was to report to the police in the event of rape or sexual abuse by anybody and not to keep mute about it.
“Your right is to demand for justice, you don’t ask for your right, but you demand for it.
One of the guest speakers, Prof Fidelis Allen of the Department of Political Science, University of Port Harcourt, said that people should not shy away from the fact that conflict is part of human life.
Allen who reasoned that the tendency to do wrong act is inherent in man, also stressed that violence can not be used as a means of conflict resolution.
A participant that gave his name as PraiseGod Nwachukwu, from Comprehensive Secondary School Umuezeuna Ogwara in Imo state, joined others and condemned violence in the society.
He, however, called on all relevant authorities to join hands with the government to ensure that violence was nipped in the bud.
Over 50 students drawn from the six geo-politcal zones of the country, participated in the peace campaign.

By: King Onunwor