As Nigerians mark the 25th anniversary of uninterrupted democratic dispensation in the country, some South-East residents in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State are challenging governments at all levels to urgently address the hunger and hardship the people are experiencing.
Those who spoke to AIT.live say the present topical issue of a new national minimum wage should not be a debate between the Federal, State Governments, Organised Private Sector, and Organised Labour alone.
The people say minimum wage discussion should include good governance by providing affordable living for citizens, as well as reducing the high cost of food items, transportation, education and healthcare.
And the mood in neighbouring Enugu State, on Wednesday was quiet, as the country commemorates 25 years of uninterrupted democracy.
Commentators see this as reflective of citizens’ disappointment with the democratic journey so far, particularly regarding electoral processes in the region.
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At a Democracy Day Roundtable organised by a coalition of civil society organisations, discussants blame the judiciary for encroaching on citizens’ power to elect leaders through series of questionable interpretations of the Constitution and Electoral Law, noting that the South-East zone of the country is the worst hit.
They urged the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA to ensure that citizens voices are not silenced and called on civil society groups in the zone, to monitor the judiciary more closely.
In Plateau State, North-Central Nigeria, there is little or nothing to show that citizens are celebrating the 2024 Democracy Day, except for the heavy presence of security operatives who are out to stop the planned June 12 protest.
Those who spoke to AIT.live however said the current hash economic reality in the country is already rubbing Nigerians of the joy of Democracy Day.
And as Nigeria commemorates the 2024 Democracy Day, residents of Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, have voiced scathing criticisms against the government, highlighting the severe economic and social hardship they endure.
In a series of interviews on the streets of Calabar, citizens expressed profound frustration and disappointment, asserting that they are far from enjoying the true dividends of democracy.
The respondents argued that Nigeria’s current governance starkly deviates from the democratic ideals, as the government appears alarmingly disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary citizens.
They condemned the lack of inclusive governance, where policies are often implemented without sufficient consideration of their impact on the populace.
As Nigeria reflects on the democratic journey this Democracy Day, the voices from Calabar serve as a stark reminder of the critical need for the government to reconnect with its citizens and address their pressing concerns.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
