Dr. Yunusa Tanko Calls for Citizen Empowerment at Obidients Movement Summit
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At the recent Obidients Movement North East Leadership Summit, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, delivered a compelling speech on the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens. The summit, themed “The Fundamental Rights of a Nigerian Citizen,” gathered leaders and activists to discuss the importance of these rights in fostering a just and equitable society.
Dr. Tanko began by greeting the attendees and emphasizing the significance of fundamental rights. “Greetings to our Great Nigerian people. Greetings to our beloved North Easterners. Greetings from the OBIDIENTS FAMILY,” he said. He described these rights as the “foundations upon which a just, equitable, and prosperous society is built.”
He stressed that these rights are inherent and inalienable, not privileges granted by the state. “As a Nigerian citizen, it is essential to recognize that these rights are inherent and inalienable, and are not privileges granted by the state. Rather, they are essential for the realization of one’s full potential and for participation in the social, economic, and political life of the country,” Dr. Tanko asserted.
Dr. Tanko outlined several fundamental rights, including the right to life, dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing, freedom of religion, peaceful assembly and association, freedom of movement, freedom from discrimination, freedom of expression and the press, and the right to acquire and own immovable property. He emphasized that the protection and promotion of these rights are critical for ensuring that citizens can live their lives with dignity and respect, free from fear of violence, intimidation, or harm.
“It is the responsibility of the state and its agencies to ensure that these rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled,” Dr. Tanko stated. He called on the state to provide access to justice, protect citizens’ rights from infringement, and enable full participation in democratic processes.
However, Dr. Tanko also stressed that the realization of these rights is not solely the responsibility of the state. “Citizens also have a critical role to play in asserting and claiming their rights, and in holding the state and its agencies accountable for their obligations,” he said.
He urged citizens to be aware of their rights, exercise them responsibly, and advocate for the protection and promotion of the rights of others.
Dr. Tanko introduced a lesser-known genre of rights, emphasizing the right to good governance, transparency, and accountability from public office holders. “First, you have a right to good governance; there’s no better time to demand it than now. It is your fundamental right to seek and get good governance,” he declared. He also highlighted the right to request transparency and accountability, stating, “Yes, you have 100 percent right to actually know and be constantly updated from your elected representatives.”
He further emphasized the right to be “OBIDIENT,” advocating for freedom of association and expression without fear of oppression or harassment.
“In a nation where freedom of association and expression are trampled upon, remember you have your exclusive rights to support your preferred association and spread the good news of the Obidients without fear of oppression or harassment,” Dr. Tanko affirmed.
Dr. Tanko concluded his speech by urging citizens to fully participate in the electoral process, describing it as a “clarion and sacred call.” He encouraged Nigerians to speak out against hardship and use their voters’ cards to make their voices heard. “Dear Nigeria, it is your right to tell the government that the hardship is unbearable; the most vocal way to do this is speaking through the polls and letting your voters card do the speaking,” he said.
In his recommendations, Dr. Tanko called on civil society organizations, including non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, and faith-based organizations, to play a critical role in promoting and protecting the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens.
He emphasized the need for a collective effort from all stakeholders, including the state, civil society, and citizens themselves, to build a just, equitable, and prosperous society.
Dr. Tanko concluded with a powerful reminder of the importance of citizen engagement and activism. “The citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the most honourable and exalted office in the land. The citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the most powerful person in the country,” he declared.
He urged citizens to exercise their power responsibly and not to remain silent in the face of injustice.
As he left the podium, Dr. Tanko left the audience with a poignant quote: “The world is not suffering from the violence of bad people but the world is suffering from the silence of good people. Don’t be silent anymore – Speak and let your voice be heard. A New Nigeria is POssible with you and me.”
The Obidients Movement North East Leadership Summit served as a platform for inspiring dialogue and action, reinforcing the importance of fundamental rights in shaping the future of Nigeria.
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