As Nigeria commemorates 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance and marks the eighth anniversary of the passing of respected scholar and activist Professor Abubakar Momoh, the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has renewed its call for a return to authentic democratic practices and a critical reassessment of the nation’s political direction.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by CHRICED’s Executive Director, Comrade Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, the organisation paid tribute to Professor Momoh’s enduring legacy and linked his lifelong advocacy to the current state of Nigeria’s democracy.
Professor Momoh, who served as CHRICED’s founding chairman, was praised as a dedicated champion of democracy, social justice, and active citizenship over a career that spanned more than 30 years. The organisation described him as an “Activist-Scholar,” highlighting his deep intellectual engagement and grassroots activism as pivotal contributions to Nigeria’s civil society and democratic evolution.
CHRICED voiced alarm over what it sees as the deterioration of core democratic values in Nigeria. It decried the weakening of the rule of law, the lack of credible electoral processes, and increasing encroachments on the independence of both the legislature and the judiciary.
A particularly pointed criticism was directed at the National Assembly, which CHRICED accused of serving executive interests rather than the needs of the citizenry. The group noted that out of over 800 bills introduced in the past two years, only 23 were passed—an indicator, it argued, of misplaced priorities.
The statement also criticized the rapid passage of the National Anthem Bill, contrasting it with the neglect of more consequential legislative proposals like the Food Pricing Bill and the Electoral Reform Bill.
CHRICED went on to denounce the 2025 Appropriation Bill, labeling it reckless and riddled with questionable projects that, in its view, lack both transparency and accountability.
On the economic front, the group recalled Professor Momoh’s firm opposition to neoliberal economic models often promoted by international financial institutions. It warned that the continued implementation of such policies—including fuel subsidy removal, a floating exchange rate regime, and high levels of borrowing—without protective measures for the vulnerable, has further deepened hardship for ordinary Nigerians.
In response, CHRICED advocated for home-grown, sustainable economic solutions that prioritize human welfare at the centre of policy design.
The organisation urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, now in his second year in office, to take these criticisms seriously and steer the country back toward the democratic ideals for which Professor Momoh stood.
To make democracy truly meaningful for Nigerians, CHRICED emphasized the importance of accountable leadership, respect for free speech, transparent elections, and accessible justice.
“Professor Abubakar Momoh’s legacy continues to illuminate the path forward,” the statement concluded. “Genuine democracy demands vigilance, moral integrity, and a steadfast dedication to justice.”