Members of Warri NUJ and members of Citizens Rights Concerns Enhancement Initiative (CRCEI), also known as the Human Rights Protection Congress, during press briefing at Press Centre on Thursday
By Cynthia Eruotor
A human rights advocacy group, the Citizens Rights Concerns Enhancement Initiative (CRCEI), also known as the Human Rights Protection Congress, has called for greater transparency, accountability and electoral integrity as critical requirements for achieving good governance in Nigeria.
The call was made by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the organisation, Ambassador (Pastor) Edewor Egedegbe, while addressing members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, during an event marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Speaking on preparations for the 2027 general elections, Egedegbe stressed the need to curb the growing culture of electoral impunity by strengthening transparency, accountability and access to electoral justice. According to him, credible elections require comprehensive and fair legal frameworks, transparent and professional election administration, efficient electoral operations, accurate declaration of results, effective dispute resolution mechanisms, and the inclusive participation of voters and candidates.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the organisation, Ambassador (Pastor) Edewor Egedegbe, addressing members of Press on Thursday
He noted that good governance depends on institutional mechanisms that hold leaders accountable to the people, provide opportunities for citizens to renew or withdraw electoral mandates, and ensure transparency and probity in public affairs. Egedegbe said the organisation’s mission is to build citizens’ capacity through public enlightenment, advocacy campaigns, dialogue, training, symposia and the promotion of the rule of law, while collaborating with relevant stakeholders to promote accountability and responsible governance.
He described good governance as a vital tool for creating an enabling environment for sustainable development through effective relationships between governments and the people.
“The growing culture of electoral impunity questions the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process. It also raises concerns over the enormous resources invested in elections despite Nigeria being ranked among the countries with the most expensive electoral systems in the world,” he said.
Participants at the Press Briefing on Thursday
He urged Nigerians to protect the sanctity of the ballot by rejecting vote-buying and voting according to their conscience, insisting that election winners should be determined at the polling units rather than in the courts. The human rights activist further stated that protecting human rights guarantees citizens humane treatment and contributes to peace and stability, adding that respect for human rights reduces the risk of conflict and strengthens democracy.
As Nigeria celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, Egedegbe urged leaders to embrace genuine democratic governance rather than what he described as “epileptic democracy.”
He called on governments at all levels to provide basic amenities, protect the rights of citizens, uphold the rule of law and ensure that Nigerians are able to freely elect leaders of their choice without intimidation, violence or victimisation. Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, he appealed to Nigerians to vote for credible candidates.
“Let us vote for integrity. Let us vote for the best person for the job. Let us vote our conscience and refuse to sell our votes. As an organisation, we look forward to a free, fair and credible 2027 election,” he said.
National Secretary of the organisation, Artivist Kelvin Ejumudo addressing members of press on Thursday
Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the organisation, Ambassador Monday Enudi, said Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary should serve as a reminder of the need to guarantee citizens’ rights, strengthen democratic institutions and ensure respect for the rule of law. He said Nigeria should be a nation where citizens freely exercise their constitutional rights, participate in the political process, respect court judgments and protect public infrastructure.
Enudi expressed concern over the continued detention of some Okuama community leaders and other individuals, despite court orders directing otherwise. He called on the Federal Government, the Attorney-General of the Federation and relevant security agencies to comply fully with lawful judicial decisions and uphold due process.
“Nigeria at 66 must be more than a celebration of age. It must represent a renewed commitment to the dignity, freedom, security and welfare of the Nigerian people,” he said.
The organisation also condemned political violence and reaffirmed its commitment to the promotion of human rights, the rule of law, peaceful democratic participation, good governance and accountability.
Other speakers at the event, including the National Secretary of the organisation, Artivist Kelvin Ejumudo, as well as representatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), also advocated credible democratic processes, respect for the rule of law and good governance as essential ingredients for national development.
The event featured an interactive question-and-answer session, during which participants discussed issues relating to governance, accountability, electoral reforms and the protection of citizens’ rights