The Inter Party Advisory Council, IPAC, has reminded the Nigerian government that citizens deserve good governance and improvement in their well-being in tandem with Section 14(2)b of the constitution.
The council, however, noted sadly that Nigerians are not assured of their lives.
The Council called on Nigerians, especially Christians, to celebrate this year's Easter, which signifies the supernatural resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ after His crucifixion for the sins of mankind, with hope.
IPAC noted that Easter is the essence of Christianity, the hope of the faithful. It enjoined Nigerians to use the joyous occasion of the victory of life over death which Easter symbolises to rededicate their lives to God and imbibe Christ's virtues of love, compassion, tolerance and sacrifice.
“We should also use the occasion to pray for peace, unity and progress of our dear nation,” the Council said in a statement made available to the press by Dr Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, its National Chairman.
“Citizens desire and deserve good governance and improvement in their well-being in tandem with Section 14(2)b of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, which provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
“Sadly, Nigerians are no longer secured in their own country,” it said.
IPAC urged the Federal Government to tackle insecurity head-on, adding that rampant killings of fellow compatriots by non-state actors must stop forthwith.
“Enough of bloodshed in the land,” the statement said.
IPAC commiserated with the families of those who lost their loved ones in the recent attacks in Plateau and Benue States in particular and other parts of the country.
“Citizens expect dividends of democracy, not carnage. Security agencies should sit up and effectively combat terrorism, insurgency, banditry, militancy and kidnapping for ransom.
“It takes political will to restore sanity in the polity. This should be done immediately to uphold the sanctity of human life. There cannot be development without public safety and order.”
Furthermore, IPAC urged the National Assembly to expedite action on the reservation of special seats for women in parliament bill.
“This will boost women participation in politics and achieve the desired inclusivity in governance,” it added.
Council also advocated for the establishment of the Electoral Offences Commission that will try electoral offenders and their sponsors, adding that the need for electoral integrity cannot be overemphasized in the quest for a strong, virile, united, progressive, equitable and decent democratic nation.
