June 12: Democracy Must Be Felt Beyond the Ballot Box — IHRC Nigeria
By Fidelis Onakpoma
The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) Nigeria says democracy must be felt beyond the ballot box through improved security, economic opportunities, human rights protection and better living conditions for citizens.
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The call is contained in a Democracy Day message by the Head of IHRC Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, Amb. Duru Hezekiah.
He said June 12 should be a period for celebrating political freedom and assessing democracy’s impact on citizens’ welfare.
“Democracy must be felt beyond the ballot box. It must reflect in security, affordable food, economic growth, human rights protection and citizens’ dignity,” Hezekiah said.
The commission congratulated President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government and Nigerians on the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
It described June 12 as a symbol of democratic resilience, national unity and constitutional governance in Nigeria.
The commission noted that insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment and rising food costs continued to affect many Nigerians.
It expressed concern that attacks on communities and farming areas had disrupted livelihoods, reduced agricultural productivity and worsened hardship.
IHRC acknowledged ongoing government efforts in infrastructure development, economic reforms, investment promotion and security interventions.
The commission, however, urged accelerated actions that would produce visible improvements in citizens’ daily lives.
Hezekiah stressed that governance should remain focused on citizens’ welfare as political activities gradually build towards the 2027 general elections.
“Elections are important, but democracy must deliver security, justice, opportunity and prosperity to the people,” he said.
He said Nigerians deserved a country where farms were safe, businesses thrived and young people had access to opportunities.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to peace, democratic governance, humanitarian development and human rights protection.
It called on stakeholders to work collectively towards a more secure, inclusive and prosperous Nigeria.
“As we commemorate June 12, let us build a nation where democratic freedoms are matched by economic opportunity, social justice and human dignity,” Hezekiah said.
The commission extended best wishes to Nigerians at home and in the diaspora and expressed solidarity with citizens in their pursuit of national prosperity. (NAN)
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JUNE 13TH 2026)
