The European Union, or EU, has been urged to intervene to prevent Nigeria’s fledgling democracy from collapsing.
The Free Nigeria Movement, FNM, made the appeal while noting that the EU has long been a partner of Nigeria in promoting democratic principles.
On Friday, the group made the plea while leading a protest to the EU headquarters in Abuja.
Moses Paul, the group’s convener, addressed the protest and thanked the European Union for its contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s creative industry and humanitarian efforts in the Northeast.
According to Paul, the group has asked the Union to sanction Prof. Yakubu Mahmoud, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), all state electoral commissioners, and other INEC officials for their role in undermining the country’s democracy by conducting fraudulent elections.
The FNM also advocated for the formation of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Lagos State and other areas where voter intimidation and violence occurred during the presidential, national assembly, governorship, and state assembly elections.
“The European Union has long had a relationship with Nigeria, contributing assiduously to the promotion of democratic principles,” he said. Your contribution to the growth of our creative industry cannot be adequately expressed in a single note of thanks.
“We are also aware of your humanitarian efforts in the northeast.” We are grateful for all of these things.
“Today, we ask you to do more to prevent the collapse of our democracy.” Because that is what this lawlessness means for our country.
“As a result, we demand sanctions against Prof. Yakubu Mahmoud, all state electoral commissioners, and other INEC officials who assisted in this illegality.” Our country requires healing.
“It will be counterproductive to allow a fraudulent process to continue because fraud will always breed fraud.” We cannot build our democracy on lies and suspicion.
“The gaps in our national fabric must be woven together.” One option is to immediately form a Truth and Reconciliation Committee in Lagos State and other areas where voter intimidation and violence occurred during the presidential, national assembly, governorship, and state assembly elections.
“This will help to build trust and confidence among Nigerians, as well as promote ethnic cooperation.”
“As concerned citizens, we believe that our country is destined for greatness and hope that our faith will nudge our dreams into reality in the not-too-distant future.” This is our prayer as we tend to the wounds of hope. We will not curse our country or stand by those who curse it, even if they force us to do so. We will not steal our country’s dignity or any of its treasures. We will keep our promise of unity and faith, peace and progress,” they added.
