The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), and Transparency International Chapter in Nigeria, have demanded stronger democratic institutions, justice, peace and inclusive economic prosperity.
CISLAC and Transparency International which made the demand while commemorating Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, also called for an end to impunity.
The two organisations stressed that Nigeria’s democratic future depends on institutions that are stronger than individuals, political parties and powerful interests, thus urged public officials to treat public office as a public trust rather than an avenue for personal enrichment, patronage or abuse of power.
These were contained in a statement by the Executive Director of CISLAC, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, in which he stated that the anniversary should move beyond ceremonial celebration to a critical reflection on whether democracy is improving the lives of citizens.
Rafsanjani said democracy must mean more than elections and political transitions, stressing that it must deliver accountable leadership, strong institutions, security, justice, dignity and economic opportunities for citizens.
CISLAC particularly expressed serious concern over the arrest and remand of five men in Maiduguri, Borno State, over allegations of printing and wearing of T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go”.
It noted that the men were reportedly charged with criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery.
CISLAC pointedly noted that prosecuting citizens over peaceful political expression raises serious concerns about freedom of expression and the shrinking of civic space.
In the same vein, Amnesty International also condemned the reported arrests, stressing that expression of political dissent is protected under fundamental rights.
CISLAC further said; “A democracy that criminalises peaceful dissent and treats political slogans as threats to public order is a democracy weakened from within”.
It further said that it would strengthen collaboration with Amnesty International and other human rights organisations to document and profile cases involving political or public officials accused of undermining civic freedoms, suppressing legitimate political expression or frustrating citizens’ rights.
CISLAC said such documentation would support sustained advocacy for accountability and, where applicable, engagement with relevant national, regional and international human rights and accountability mechanisms.
It noted that Amnesty International has continued to document cases involving restrictions on freedom of expression and the treatment of critics and dissenting voices in Nigeria.
The prominent civil society organization called on the National Assembly to strengthen oversight just as it urged anti-corruption agencies to operate without political interference,
CISLAC stressed that the judiciary, law enforcement and regulatory institutions must remain independent, professional and accountable, just as it identified corruption, insecurity and injustice as major threats to democratic stability.
It further noted that corruption deprives citizens of essential services while impunity erodes public confidence in government.
CISLAC also expressed concern over the number of Nigerian children who it noted remain out of school, as well as the continued emigration of young and skilled Nigerians in search of better economic opportunities and living conditions.
The organisation said terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and abuses by security institutions continue to undermine citizens’ right to live without fear, stressing that security measures must be accompanied by accountability, human rights protection, conflict prevention and access to justice.
On the economy, CISLAC said independence must translate into food on the table, decent jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education, social protection and opportunities for young people and businesses to thrive.
“Growth without inclusion is not prosperity, and democracy without economic dignity will continue to lose the confidence of citizens,” it said.
Ahead of the 2027 elections, CISLAC urged electoral institutions to protect the integrity of the vote, political parties to strengthen internal democracy and authorities to ensure that electoral offences attract consequences.
CISLAC called for the protection of civic space and citizens’ right to question and demand accountability from those who govern them and also called for a renewed national commitment to credible elections, stronger institutions, accountable leadership, justice, peace, anti-corruption reforms and shared prosperity.
According to CISLAC; “The true measure of Nigeria’s independence is not simply how long the country has existed, but whether Nigerians can live in peace, thrive in Nigeria, hold leaders accountable, obtain justice and build a dignified future.
“At 66, Nigeria must move from democracy in name to democracy that genuinely delivers for the people,” it stated.
