Follow Us on Google
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has cautioned that Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule mean little if democracy does not translate into improved security, welfare and accountable governance for ordinary citizens.
In a June 12 statement signed by Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC paid tribute to the “fallen heroes” of the country’s democratic struggle, but stressed that celebration must be matched by substantive reforms.
“Democracy must be judged not only by elections, but by its ability to deliver security, welfare, justice, and inclusive development,” the organisation said.
Listing persistent threats to democratic consolidation, CISLAC highlighted deepening insecurity across the country — terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and farmer-herder clashes, and warned: “No democracy can thrive where citizens live in constant fear.”
The group called for “urgent, coordinated, and effective national security reforms anchored on intelligence, accountability, and prevention.”
Other News
On the economy, CISLAC said many Nigerians are yet to feel the benefits of civilian governance. The organisation expressed concern over rising inflation, youth unemployment, and the increasing cost of living, emphasising that policy adjustments such as fuel subsidy removal and exchange-rate reforms must be accompanied by people-centred measures.
“Strategic investments in education, skills development, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and industrial growth” are necessary, CISLAC said, to turn Nigeria’s youthful population into a development asset rather than a liability.
“Corruption, weak institutions and selective accountability remain major obstacles,” the group said.
Rafsanjani concluded with a call to action: “Endurance alone is not sufficient. Democracy must translate into improved livelihoods, stronger institutions, enhanced security, justice, and inclusive governance.”
He urged government, political actors, civil society, the media and citizens to recommit to transparency, accountability and participation to ensure that democratic survival becomes democratic delivery.
