By Emmanuel Oloniruha
Abuja, – The Public Administration and Social Development Consult, a non governmental organization, has called on Nigerians to be committed to seeking justice and system that work well for all citizens.
The Convener of the organisation and Social Justice Conference and Awards 2022, Mrs Margaret Ibeku, gave the advice while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Monday.
Ibeku urged Nigerians not to keep silent in the face of injustice, saying an injustice to one today without any challenge, would come around to others tomorrow.
“If you are thinking about starting or you’re wondering how to go about it, just take a step. There is so much to be done in Nigeria.
“There is so much injustice. It is people that need to arise and speak up for these injustices.
“Evil thrives when men keep quiet. My encouragement to everybody is keep speaking up or keep doing something to curb injustice. Go ahead.
“If you’re doing nothing, the same injustice you see today and you keep quiet will definitely come for you.
“If it does not come for you, it will come for your children. If it doesn’t come for your children, it will come for your neighbour. It will definitely find its way down to you.
“So it is better that we all begin to ask our government, our communities, our leaders in every forum, not just governments. Begin to ask questions and demand for the systems to work well,” Obeku said.
On the conference and award ceremony with the theme, “Social Justice: the Bedrock for National Development”, organied by the organisations, in collaboration with the Public Complaints Commission (PCC), Ibeku said it was to promote social justice in Nigeria.
Some of the honourary award recipients include Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi as the Most Gender Sensitive Governor and the National Judiciary Institute as the Outstanding Judicial Institute.
Others include Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers as the Social Justice Governor of the year; Dumbe Birsan- Human Rights Activist of the Year (Female); Prof. Ogechukwu Nwaocha – Human Rights Activist of the Year (Male); Brekete Family (Human Rights Radio)- as the Social Justice Radio of the Year.
Ibeku said while the conference would go along way to promote justice, the award would encourage many Nigerians to rise up and pursue justice for all.
“The essence of the award was to celebrate people who are promoting social justice, social justice organizations who are doing work for their communities, giving back to the society.
“The essence is just to celebrate people who are doing well in the area of social justice and good governance.”
Ibeku said that all the recipients of the awards, from individuals to government agencies and private organisations, emerged through votes from the general public.
She expressed confidence that the award would encourage many citizens to start something or do more to promote justice in the country.
Receiving the award, Gov. Bello described it as well deserved award that would encourage him to do more in seeking justice for women, the people of Kogi and Nigeria.
Bello, represented by the Kogi State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Fatima Kabir Buba, said his administration would continue to seek the well-being of all, especially women.
Bello advised citizens to rise up to seek justice for one another.(NAN)
