The Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, has stated that democracy remains the key to achieving peace, national stability and sustainable development in Nigeria.
Ochogwu made this known in a statement on Friday to mark June 12 Democracy Day, noting that Nigeria’s democratic journey remains a critical foundation for national unity and progress.
According to him, June 12 represents a defining moment in the nation’s democratic history and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made in the struggle for civil rule.
He said the lessons of history demand a stronger commitment from both government and citizens to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure that the dividends of democracy reach all levels of society.
“Democratic governance can only deliver peace when institutions, structures and citizens operate within the principles of accountability, inclusiveness and shared responsibility,” he said.
“All government processes, institutions and structures must be aligned with democratic principles and focused on effective service delivery to the people.
“On the other hand, the people must also be responsible enough to support government programmes and activities so that there can be a shared commitment to the sustenance and consolidation of democracy.”
He also linked Nigeria’s democratic values to its foreign policy direction, stating that democracy remains one of the cardinal pillars of President Bola Tinubu’s foreign policy agenda.
“One of the cardinal points of President Bola Tinubu’s foreign policy agenda is democracy, which means that the country is fully aligned with democratic principles and practices.
“It is not only supporting democracy locally but internationally, which is why the country is calling for the democratization of the United Nations systems to make it more responsive to global dynamics,” he said.
Ochogwu further stressed the need for democracy to remain participatory, inclusive and responsive to the needs of citizens.
“Locally, we must ensure that our democracy is participatory, inclusive and responsive to the needs of citizens, while also promoting effective service delivery by the government,” he added.
He noted that when democratic principles are properly upheld, they provide the foundation for stability, national cohesion and lasting peace.
Ochogwu called for renewed commitment to peacebuilding, dialogue and unity amid the nation’s challenges and pockets of conflict, stressing that democracy cannot thrive in an atmosphere of division and unrest.
He urged Nigerians to embrace democratic values not only as a political system but also as a culture of mutual responsibility, tolerance and collective progress.
According to him, the June 12 legacy remains a reminder of the need to protect and deepen democratic governance in Nigeria.