It was Senator Shehu Sani who first blew the horn on the non-governmental organizations bill sponsored by Umar Buba Jibril, deputy majority leader of the house of representatives. Senator Sani called it “dangerous” and a threat to “freedom of speech”.

Former Chairman of the Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu also raised his voice against the bill in a 5 minute YouTube video.

The sponsor of the bill is adamant that the bill must be passed in order to give accountability and transparency to the transactions of non-governmental bodies.

Co-founder of Transparency Intl has now lent her voice to the debate, insisting that the rights of the citizens- not just NGOs – are at stake, if we allow this bill pass. This and more is why every Nigerian must fight the bill to extinction.

See below:

If you ever had any doubt that the Supply Side of Governance which carries on like Monopolists FEARS an ACTIVE Demand Side, think #NGOBill.

— Oby Ezekwesili (@obyezeks) September 25, 2017

The Demand Side of Governance is mostly what NGOs represent in most countries. For as long as it is DORMANT, Governments ACT like Monopolies

— Oby Ezekwesili (@obyezeks) September 25, 2017

It should not surprise citizens when the Executive, Legislative or Judicial Arms of Government DON'T TAKE KINDLY to being "asked questions".

— Oby Ezekwesili (@obyezeks) September 25, 2017

It was the way it used to be! Dormant, lethargic inactive, indifferent and distant Demand Side (Citizens) that GAVE FREEDOM to Governments.

— Oby Ezekwesili (@obyezeks) September 25, 2017

The "FREEDOM" to DO AS THEY PLEASED which the Demand Side of Governance (Citizens/NGOs) gave our Govts in the past is NOW under CONTENTION.

— Oby Ezekwesili (@obyezeks) September 25, 2017

Let the Demand Side of Governance NEVER KEEP QUIET. KEEP STANDING.KEEP DEMANDING.Then& only then should Citizens EXPECT what THEY INSPECT!?

— Oby Ezekwesili (@obyezeks) September 25, 2017

Reactions:

#NGOBill if properly discussed and amended by @nassnigeria can be the best thing ever for our NGOs. #Accountability

— Uchenna George (@Nkemnacho) September 25, 2017

 

But an "ACTIVE" demand side still needs regulating, same as the supply side of governance does, for societies? #NGOBill

— Uchenna George (@Nkemnacho) September 25, 2017

Masses should insist on good governance&social justice. Consistency in advocacy will compel govt to show political will in sync with masses.

— Dr. Tony Akabuno (@tonyakabuno) September 25, 2017

Now supply side is trying to muzzle out any hint of challenge with the #NGOBill. The state preys on reason because its actions fails logic https://t.co/T456Kq4ril

— isaac (@izik208) September 25, 2017

More questions will be asked and more question ASKERS will rise…certainly! https://t.co/HQ3ele0YW4

— 0440 (@justjude3) September 25, 2017

Also, if an elected government betrays the trust reposed in it, the people have every right to rise against it – PEACEFULLY.

— Osasu Obayiuwana (@osasuo) September 25, 2017

#Resist!