The National Rescue Congress (NRC) has beckoned on Nigerians to rise, rescue and salvage the country, saying that “Freedom is not free” after all.
NRC made the call in a press release entitled “Freedom is not free: a call to rescue and salvage Nigeria“, jointly signed by NRC Coordinator Team, Pastor Emmanuel Ihim, Esq. and Chief Oloye Adegboyega Adeniji, dated October 30, 2023.
NRC, in the statement, noted that “Freedom Is Not Free” is a powerful phrase that has resonated through history, and echoed the sacrifices made by countless individuals for the liberties many take for granted.
The group made the premised the call on the judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on October 26, 2023, which endorsed the Presidential Appeal Court Tribunal’s judgment that “trashed vital and critical evidence of various violations of the Constitution, Electoral Acts, and INEC Electoral Procedure Manual and bolstered the Chicago State University saga and President Tinubu”.
NRC stated: “Nigeria finds itself at a crucial crossroads.
“This verdict by the Supreme Court was the culmination of a coordinated charade orchestrated by state cabals, with worrying collusion from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Judiciary.”
It lamented Nigeria’s current predicament with allegations of forgery, identity theft, impersonation, and corruption at the highest echelons of power within the presidency and the Judiciary, saying that it “presents a clear threat to its democratic freedoms and underscores the collective peril” to which the country and the citizenry are subjected.
NRC stated further: “Recognizing and understanding that freedom isn’t handed on a platter is crucial. It demands active participation, unyielding resilience, and, above all, an unwavering belief in the nation’s potential.
“Today, we stand on the precipice of history. We see the pillars of our democracy, justice, and the collective will of our citizens being imperiled.
“These recent criminal allegations within the highest levels of government, including the presidency and Judiciary, have aggravated and shattered all similitudes and illusions of freedom, awakening the populace to the siege on our freedom.
“Real freedom requires constant vigilance.
“We now live in a country where democracy doesn’t reflect the people’s will, justice is for sale, and power is concentrated in the hands of a few, freedom becomes a mere facade.
“Our commitment to unifying diverse societal factions and the collective realization that preserving freedom is a shared and crucial duty.
“We must reject impunity, reclaim our nation’s soul, restore integrity to justice, and renew hope. This is a call to every Nigerian to steer our country back to true democracy, freedom, and prosperity.
“Throughout history, nations have been shaped and reshaped by the sacrifices of their citizens. Wars have been fought, revolutions have ignited, and countless voices have risen, all in the name of freedom.
“The freedom to live without fear, to voice one’s opinion, to vote, to dream – these are not gifts; they are rights earned through blood, sweat, and tears.”
It continues: “The assertion “Freedom is not Free” is not just a phrase; it is a principle deeply entrenched in the annals of history, resonating with the echoes of battles fought, lives lost, and sacrifices made.
“Nations across the globe have borne witness to the price of freedom, with Nigeria being no exception.
“”Freedom Is Not Free” is a philosophy that recognizes the continuous sacrifices needed for liberty. It is a call for resilience, patriotism, and service. Every Nigerian bears the responsibility to unite in purpose and action to rescue our nation.
“”Freedom Is Not Free” – a timeless phrase that underscores the sacrifices made throughout history, epitomizing the value of liberties that can no longer be taken lightly. Now, more than ever, Nigeria stands at a pivotal juncture.
“The urgent mandate of the National Rescue Congress (NRC) to galvanize, empower, and inspire courage among Nigerians comes at a pivotal moment.”
Freedom, NRC said, comes with a price, often paid in the form of:
• Sacrifice: Brave men and women, both in the past and in contemporary times, have put their lives on the line for the greater good.
• Vigilance: Freedoms can easily be eroded if not guarded jealously. Apathy can be as dangerous as open hostility.
• -Unity: A divided populace is an easy target for oppressive regimes. Solidarity and shared purpose are the shields against division.
The group, meanwhile, is seeking to empower and unite Nigerians in their quest for genuine freedom by:
• Raising Awareness: By shedding light on alleged misconduct and offering an alternative vision for Nigeria, the NRC seeks to educate and inform.
• Mobilizing the Masses: Galvanizing collective action can amplify the voice of the people, making it impossible to ignore.
• Advocating for Systemic Change: By challenging the status quo and demanding accountability, the NRC aims to rebuild the foundational pillars of Nigeria’s democracy.
On the path forward, NRC submits that salvaging Nigeria requires:
• Individual Action: Every Nigerian must recognize their role in shaping the nation’s future, from staying informed to casting their vote.
• Collective Courage: Facing down entrenched systems and power structures demands collective bravery. The road may be fraught with challenges, but unity provides strength.
• Sustained Commitment: The fight for freedom is not a sprint but a marathon. Persistence, even in the face of adversity, is crucial.
The statement adds: “As the National Rescue Congress endeavors to guide Nigeria toward a brighter, more democratic future, the phrase “Freedom Is Not Free” serves as both a reminder and a call to action for every Nigerian to recognize the true cost of liberty and to commit to paying that price.
“Only then can the nation hope to rise from its current challenges to be more robust, united, and genuinely free.
“In the presence of oppression, remaining silent equates to complicity. We must stand up, unify as a people, rescue our nation; and restore our Constitution and our democratic values.
“The National Rescue Congress beckons every Nigerian, every champion of justice, equity, and democratic ideals, to come together in this righteous endeavor. Nigeria’s destiny isn’t determined by a select few but is deeply rooted in the shared resolve of its citizens.
“We have faith in Nigeria. We stand by justice. And together, with unwavering commitment, we will navigate beyond this challenging period, ushering in a brighter era for our beloved nation. By God’s grace, we shall prevail.”
NRC’s Mission:
- § The National Rescue Congress is devoted to:
- § Rejecting Impunity: Systematically dismantling the structures that enable misgovernance and fraudulent political activities in Nigeria.
- § Reclaiming Peoples Mandate: Ensuring that the political will of Nigerians is respected and safeguarded.
- § Reinstating Justice and Democracy: Revitalizing the judiciary and ensuring that democracy thrives as the backbone of our nation.
- § Renewing Hope: For present and future generations by establishing a system that guarantees fairness, equitable resource distribution, and honor for our national reputation globally.
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