Former United States mayor, Mark Arnold, has called for democratic self-determination, constitutional reform and greater protection of fundamental human rights in Nigeria.
Arnold made the call in a statement titled “The Sokoto Declaration: Principles for the Deliverance of the People,” where he addressed issues including governance, displacement, resource control, national unity and democratic participation.
He said every citizen should be allowed to freely determine their political future through peaceful and lawful means, stressing that political authority must derive its legitimacy from the consent of the governed.
The former mayor expressed concern over the plight of displaced persons across the country and urged efforts to ensure their safe return to their ancestral communities.
On self-determination, Arnold argued that groups seeking political aspirations should be allowed to pursue them through democratic processes rather than violence.
He also called for greater accountability in governance, warning that governments that fail to protect citizens and uphold justice risk losing public confidence.
Arnold further advocated economic justice, insisting that communities should benefit from the natural resources located within their territories.
He urged Nigerians to actively participate in shaping the country’s future through peaceful civic engagement, democratic institutions and lawful advocacy.
According to him, meaningful change requires unity among groups seeking reform, noting that divisions could undermine efforts to achieve a more just society.
The former mayor also advocated an internationally supervised referendum on a new constitutional arrangement, saying any political transition should be achieved through lawful and democratic means.
He called on citizens to unite around the principles of life, liberty, justice and peaceful coexistence, while expressing hope for a more democratic and inclusive future for the country.
