Nigeria’s democracy remains fragile as shrinking civic space, limits on free expression, and attacks on journalists raise growing concerns about its future.
Marking this year’s International Day of Democracy on September 15, Media Rights Agenda,MRA, urged governments at all levels to take decisive steps to protect democratic institutions, expand civic space, and uphold the free flow of information.
Mr. John Gbadamosi, Programme Officer at MRA, said the theme of this year’s commemoration, “Achieving Gender Equality, Action by Action,” is particularly relevant for Nigeria, where women remain heavily marginalized in governance and decision-making.
He described gender equality as both a human right and a foundation for an inclusive and resilient democracy.
He highlighted how structural inequalities, gender-based violence, online harassment, and under-representation of women weaken Nigeria’s democratic process.
“Achieving gender equality, step by step and action by action, is central to building the open, just, and accountable Nigeria we all desire,” he said.
Mr. Gbadamosi further identified shrinking civic space, rising disinformation, and frequent attacks on journalists as threats to Nigeria’s democracy.
He stressed that democracy cannot flourish where citizens are denied access to information, dissent is silenced, or the media is under constant attack.
While acknowledging progress since Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999, including successive peaceful transfers of power, he expressed concern that harassment of journalists, intolerance of dissent, and weak enforcement of the Freedom of Information Act continue to expose the fragility of Nigeria’s democracy.
He added that corruption has eroded public trust, with successive governments failing to stop the diversion of resources meant to improve citizens’ lives.
READ ALSO: MRA urges Tinubu to prevent attack against journalists
To strengthen democracy, MRA urged governments at all levels to:
- Guarantee freedom of expression and media freedom by ending harassment and censorship.
- Fully implement the Freedom of Information Act to deepen transparency and accountability.
- Safeguard digital rights through rights-respecting regulations that foster access and innovation.
- Increase women’s representation in elective and appointive positions through affirmative measures.
- Combat disinformation using inclusive approaches that protect legitimate speech.
- Protect civic space so civil society groups can freely operate, criticize, and participate in governance without fear of reprisals.
Mr. Gbadamosi also called on citizens, civil society organizations, the media, and the international community to remain vigilant in defending democratic institutions.
He stressed that democracy must be nurtured daily through collective action and respect for fundamental rights.
Crediblenewsng.com
