Nigeria At 66: CISLAC Demands End To Impunity, Stronger Institutions

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the Transparency International Chapter in Nigeria, has called for an end to impunity, stronger democratic institutions, justice, peace and inclusive economic prosperity as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.

In a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC said the anniversary should go beyond ceremonial celebrations to provide an opportunity for critical reflection on whether democracy is improving the lives of Nigerians.

The organisation said democracy must mean more than elections and political transitions, stressing that it should deliver accountable leadership, strong institutions, security, justice, dignity and economic opportunities for citizens.

CISLAC expressed concern over the reported arrest and remand of five men in Maiduguri, Borno State, over allegations relating to the printing and wearing of T-shirts bearing the inscription, “Tinubu Must Go.”

The men were reportedly charged with criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery.

The organisation said the prosecution of citizens over peaceful political expression raised serious concerns about freedom of expression and the shrinking of civic space.

“A democracy that criminalises peaceful dissent and treats political slogans as threats to public order is a democracy weakened from within,” CISLAC said.

It stressed that Nigeria’s democratic future depended on institutions that were stronger than individuals, political parties and powerful interests.

CISLAC urged public officials to treat public office as a public trust rather than an avenue for personal enrichment, patronage or abuse of power.

The organisation also said it would strengthen collaboration with Amnesty International and other human rights organisations to document cases involving political or public officials accused of undermining civic freedoms, suppressing legitimate political expression or frustrating citizens’ rights.

It said such documentation would support sustained advocacy for accountability and, where applicable, engagement with relevant national, regional and international human rights and accountability mechanisms.

CISLAC noted that Amnesty International had continued to document cases involving restrictions on freedom of expression and the treatment of critics and dissenting voices in Nigeria.

The organisation called on the National Assembly to strengthen its oversight functions and urged anti-corruption agencies to operate without political interference.

It also called for the independence, professionalism and accountability of the judiciary, law enforcement and regulatory institutions.

CISLAC identified corruption, insecurity and injustice as major threats to democratic stability, noting that corruption deprives citizens of essential services while impunity erodes public confidence in government.

The organisation expressed concern over the number of Nigerian children who remain out of school, as well as the continued emigration of young and skilled Nigerians in search of better economic opportunities and living conditions.

It said terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and abuses by security institutions continued to undermine citizens’ right to live without fear.

According to CISLAC, security measures must be accompanied by accountability, respect for human rights, 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,” the organisation said.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, CISLAC urged electoral institutions to protect the integrity of the vote, while calling on political parties to strengthen internal democracy and authorities to ensure that electoral offences attract appropriate consequences.

It also called for the protection of civic space and citizens’ right to question those in government and demand accountability from public officials.

CISLAC urged Nigerians and institutions to renew their commitment to credible elections, stronger democratic institutions, accountable leadership, justice, peace, anti-corruption reforms and shared prosperity.

“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,” the organisation said.

“At 66, Nigeria must move from democracy in name to democracy that genuinely delivers for the people.”