The Port Harcourt International Conference (PHIC) has recommended the need for continuous dialogue between leaders and citizens to deepen democracy in Nigeria.
The recommendations are contained in a Communique at the end of the Port Harcourt International Conference (PHIC) made available to the media.
According to Juliana Masi, Head Communications, Office of the Secretary to Rivers Government (SSG), the PHIC’s theme was: ”Deepening Democratic Culture and Institutions for Sustainable Development and Security in Nigeria”.
Key issues discussed at the PHIC included the role of the Judiciary and Legislative in deepening democracy, electoral integrity, and political leadership as well as addressing terrorism, banditry, and extra-legal agitations.
The communique noted the basic ingredients of deepening democracy as rule of law and due process, Judiciary as the custodian protecting the rights of all Nigerian citizens.
It stated that building a robust parliament should be a priority in defending democracy as the incarnation of the will of the people.
It also called for the security of lives and property, corruption-free governance, visionary leaders, electoral integrity, and inclusion and participation of women and youths in democracy, among others to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
The communique also recommended that democracy being a process that grinds slowly, citizens should be patient in supporting democratic institutions to deliver.
It recommended that a strong system of leadership selection and training be established at all levels and aspects of governance to support democratic culture.
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According to the communique, the judiciary should be more available to all citizens based on equal opportunity and equal access to redress.
It also recommended continuous and progressive electoral reforms that would promote the reasonable application of technology.
It stated that the insulation of Electoral Management Agencies from political interference should be guaranteed in our electoral legal framework.
It stated that special support and incentives should be provided to young people, women, and persons with disability to increase their participation in the political process.
It also recommended that the socio-economic underpinnings of insecurity must be addressed in order to prevent the erosion of democracy.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that participants at the Port Harcourt International Conference included a former President of Nigeria, President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Others were Gov.Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Wike, Deputy Gov.Ipalibo Banigo, former governor, Peter Odili, Retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Mrs. Mary Odili, Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Oyo state.
Participants were also drawn from Senior Judges, members of the National Assembly from Rivers and members of the State House of Assembly, the state’s Head of Service, academics, Traditional Rulers, and others who participated in the conference.
The communique committee for the conference included Hassan Saliu, Adebayo Olukoshi, Okey Ibeanu, and Tunde Babawale.
