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Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called for an end to impunity, stronger democratic institutions and greater accountability in governance, warning that Nigeria’s democracy risks losing public confidence if it fails to protect citizens’ rights and deliver economic prosperity.
The organisation, which is the Nigerian chapter of Transparency International, made the call in a statement by its Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.
CISLAC said the anniversary should provide an opportunity for Nigerians to assess the country’s democratic progress beyond ceremonial celebrations, particularly in terms of its impact on citizens’ welfare, fundamental rights and access to justice.
It 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.
Describing the incident as a threat to freedom of expression, CISLAC said the prosecution of citizens over peaceful political expression raised serious concerns about the shrinking of civic space in the country.
“A democracy that criminalises peaceful dissent and treats political slogans as threats to public order is a democracy weakened from within,” the organisation said.
It noted that Amnesty International had also condemned the reported arrests, arguing that political dissent was protected by fundamental rights.
CISLAC said it would strengthen collaboration with Amnesty International and other human rights organisations to document cases involving political and public officials accused of undermining civic freedoms, suppressing legitimate political expression or violating citizens’ rights.
It said the documentation would support sustained advocacy for accountability and, where necessary, engagement with national, regional and international human rights and accountability mechanisms.
The organisation maintained that Nigeria’s democratic future depended on building institutions capable of operating independently of individuals, political parties and powerful interests.
It urged public officials to regard public office as a public trust rather than an avenue for personal enrichment, patronage or abuse of power.
CISLAC also called on the National Assembly to strengthen its oversight functions and urged anti-corruption agencies to operate without political interference.
It said the judiciary, law enforcement agencies and regulatory institutions must remain independent, professional and accountable to sustain public confidence in governance.
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On the challenges confronting the country, the organisation identified corruption, insecurity and injustice as major threats to democratic stability, warning that corruption continued to deprive citizens of essential services while impunity weakened public trust in government.
It also expressed concern over the large number of Nigerian children still out of school and the continued emigration of young and skilled Nigerians in search of better economic opportunities and living conditions.
According to CISLAC, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and alleged abuses by security institutions continue to undermine citizens’ right to live without fear.
It stressed that security operations must be accompanied by accountability, respect for human rights, conflict prevention and access to justice.
On the economy, the organisation said the benefits of independence and democracy should be reflected in improved living conditions, including access to food, decent jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education and social protection.
It also called for an economic environment that would enable young Nigerians 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.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, CISLAC urged electoral institutions to safeguard the integrity of the vote, while calling on political parties to strengthen their internal democratic processes.
It further urged relevant authorities to ensure that electoral offences attracted appropriate consequences, stressing the need to protect civic space and citizens’ right to question those in public office.
The organisation called for renewed national commitment to credible elections, stronger 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,” it said.
“At 66, Nigeria must move from democracy in name to democracy that genuinely delivers for the people.”
