Ahead of judgement to be the delivered by Justices of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) on conduct and outcome of the February 25, Presidential Election in Nigeria, Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM), has sued for peace among Nigerians.
The Coalition in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Danjuma Garba Musa at a World Press Conference held in Abuja on Thursday, said Democracy must be protected by all parties concerned in the litigations and Nigerians generally.
According to him, COPDEM’s commitment is to promote and protect the ideals of democracy particularly free and fair elections, Rule of Law and good governance in Nigeria.
He said: “We are not recruited by any party, person or personal interests but by our patriotism and the love of our dear nation.
“We are a prodemocratic and nonpartisan association. It is also in the exercise of our fundamental Human Rights to Freedom of Expression and the Press and Right to Peaceful Assembly and Association as provided in Chapter 4, Sections 39 and 40, respectively, of the 1999 Constitution as amended that our association, Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM), is today launching its maiden project, a world press conference on: THE STATE OF THE NATION’S DEMOCRACY.
“There are indications that our democracy is being threatened and must be protected by patriotic citizens through campaign projects that focus on government policies and actions as well as taxing the government to be responsive, transparent, prudent and democratic in all
its policies and actions.
“Our law enforcement agencies and the media are State actors in upholding the tenets of democracy in Nigeria. They must never be used.
“The media is the umpire who must remain unbiased. While the law enforcement agencies are the players and actors that ought to be guided by the rules of the game and not the dictates of any person or sentiments.
“It does not speak well of a nation like Nigeria to witness the fracas between the DSS and Correctional Services over the custody of Mr Godwin Emefile in an alleged case of illegal possession of fire arms while other bandits and warlords brandish their sophisticated weapons and mercenaries, openly and freely spewing hate and threatening genocide.
“COPDEM is taking this opportunity to urge all Nigerians to continue to pray for the country in these trying times.
“It is equally significant to maintain the values of peace and unity through respect and tolerance for each other while appreciating our differences and diversities.
“Active participation in politics and governance by all and sundry, is a sure way of protecting and promoting our democracy”.
