A new northern pressure group on the aegis of ‘Network of Concerned Citizens (NCC)’, has expressed deep concern over the socio-political situation in the country as Nigeria prepares for another election circle in 2027.
This was as it declared that there was a need for those in power to strengthen fundamental constitutional principles and values, just as it urged Nigerians to remain intellectually and legally forceful against any anti-democratic forces poised to undermine the constitutional foundations of the country’s unity, progress and its cherished democracy.
It therefore called on well-meaning Nigerians, politicians, religious leaders, youths and all critical stakeholders to unite, promote inclusiveness and ensuring various ethnicities have a say in decision-making processes and ultimately work in defense of the country’s democracy without sentiments or any form of divisiveness.
The NCC however, said that it is willing and determined to work with any political party or political candidate who believed in its ideals.
The NCC which is predominantly northern based and made up of former State Assembly Speakers, lawmakers at both Federal and State Assemblies, former Local Government Chairmen, Civil Society groups, academia, diplomats, trade union leaders, community leaders, opinion leaders, and youth organizations,
A statement by Comrade Adamu Song, convener, who was former General Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers NUPENG) and former National Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy AD), said that the birth of Network Of Concerned Citizens is potently and patently crucial to take Nigeria out of her current precarious political and socio-economic situations.
Comrade Song also stressed the need to reawaken political actors, national stakeholders, academia, civil society, the media, political parties, and democratic institutions nationally and anyone who can patriotically contribute to the survival of our fragile democracy.
In the words of Song; “This is the appropriate time for us to unite, promote inclusiveness and ensure various ethnicities have a say in decision-making processes and work to defend Nigeria’s democracy without sentiments or divisiveness.
“NCC aims to further ensure that we have a country governed by love, where no one suffers discrimination or victimization, an atmosphere where everyone will be properly accommodated, irrespective of their tribe, religion or background.
“We want a country where every Nigerian can seamlessly project his or her own socio-economic potentials for the greater good of the country within the ambit of law and order.
“We also crave for even distribution of Nigeria’s resources and wealth, with the popular and valid belief that every Nigerian should have right to aspire for any elective positions of choice and Nigerians should be able to associate with themselves openly and freely with candidates of their choices without any form of harassment or violation of their fundamental rights as guaranteed by the law.
“This has become necessary to guide the citizenry as it is clear that Nigerians need a purposeful paradigm shift as we approach another election circle in 2027 which we are convinced by our calculations that it will never be allowed to be hijacked or manipulated.
“We remain committed to consistently embark on advocacy to educate and enlighten the people on how democracy and electoral outcomes affect them and their future. We remain unrepentant in dedicating our time and resources to reorient the citizens and work towards eradicating all forms of electoral malpractices.
“Let us also reiterate our resolve that as a cross-section of leaders and political stakeholders from across Nigeria, predominantly from the north, we have come together to show patriotism by sustaining the momentum of protecting and preserving our democratic institutions and values which are crucial for Nigeria’s stability, progress, and the well-being of her citizens.
“We are also desirous of a political structure that will prioritize youth-driven entrepreneurship, industrial growth, and technological advancement. A system that will essentially develop agriculture to achieve self-sufficiency in food production and promote it as a major source of raw materials and foreign exchange,” he said.
