A group under the auspices of the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) has urged opposition parties in the country to be constructive in criticising governments at the state and national levels.

The national chairman of COPDEM, Prince Rwang Pam, gave the advice on Saturday at the national convention and democracy icons award organised by the group in Abuja.

Mr Pam, who expressed concern that presently there was no strong political opposition in the country, said the opposition was not about developing a hatred for a government in power.

“As far as political parties are concerned, we are not hearing their voices. Nobody is actually saying anything.

“Opposition is not about hitting the government or being anti-Tinubu or anti-APC.

“When it is good, say it is good and when it is not good, say it is not good.

“I think that is what an opposition should be; without fear or favour,” he said.

According to him, COPDEM is an opposition, not to politics but to anything that is standing against the health and well-being of the masses.

Mr Pam equally advised politicians, whether in power or not, to love Nigeria and be ready to do the right thing.

He said that the award night was organised to appreciate the champions of democracy.

“Tonight, we pay tribute to the champions of democracy, whose unwavering dedication has paved the way for positive change in our nation, from grassroots activists to visionary leaders.

“Each nominee and award recipient embodies the values of integrity, transparency, and inclusivity that are the cornerstones of a thriving democracy,” he said.

The recipients of the icons award include the late President Umaru Ya’Adua; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi and Femi Falana, SAN.

Others include Bishop Mathew Kukah; the late minister of information, Prof. Dora Akunyili; the Yoruba leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo; the late Dele Giwa; the late Gani Fawehinmi; Sen. Shehu Sani and Oby Ezekwesili, among others.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the event,  MrObi, who was represented by Peter Ameh, national secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), dedicated the award to the Nigerian people.

(NAN)