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By Abdullahi Inuwa
As Nigeria celebrates 66 years of independence, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the Nigerian chapter of Transparency International, has urged the country to confront impunity, strengthen democratic institutions and pursue justice, peace and inclusive prosperity.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC said the anniversary should go beyond official ceremonies and patriotic speeches. It should, the organisation argued, prompt a serious national assessment of whether democracy is improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
The group said democracy must mean more than elections or the transfer of power. It must deliver accountable leadership, public safety, justice, respect for human rights, dignity and meaningful economic opportunities.
CISLAC expressed concern over the reported arrest and remand of five men in Maiduguri, Borno State, allegedly in connection with the production and wearing of T-shirts carrying the message, “Tinubu Must Go.”
The men were reportedly charged with criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery.
According to CISLAC, prosecuting citizens over peaceful political expression raises serious questions about freedom of speech and the shrinking space for civic participation.
“A democracy that criminalises peaceful dissent and treats political slogans as threats to public order is a democracy weakened from within,” the organisation said.
CISLAC argued that Nigeria’s democratic survival depends on institutions that can function independently of individuals, political parties and influential interests.
It called on public officials to treat their positions as a public trust rather than a route to personal enrichment, political favouritism or the misuse of authority.
The organisation also disclosed plans to deepen cooperation with Amnesty International and other human rights groups to document alleged restrictions on civic freedoms, suppression of lawful political expression and violations of citizens’ rights.
It said the records would strengthen advocacy for accountability and support engagement, where necessary, with national, regional and international human rights bodies.
On governance, CISLAC urged the National Assembly to improve its oversight of the executive and called on anti-corruption agencies to work free from political pressure.
It further demanded greater independence, professionalism and accountability from the judiciary, law-enforcement bodies and regulatory institutions.
The group identified corruption, insecurity and injustice as serious dangers to democratic stability. It warned that corruption continues to deny citizens basic services, while impunity steadily erodes trust in government.
CISLAC also drew attention to the millions of Nigerian children who remain out of school and to the growing departure of young and skilled Nigerians searching for better jobs, security and living conditions abroad.
On national security, the organisation said terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes and alleged abuses by security agencies continue to threaten Nigerians’ right to live safely.
It advocated a security strategy that combines decisive action with accountability, respect for human rights, conflict prevention and access to justice.
The group said the true value of independence must be visible in the everyday experiences of citizens through access to food, decent work, affordable healthcare, quality education, social protection and opportunities for young people and businesses.
“Growth without inclusion is not prosperity, and democracy without economic dignity will continue to lose the confidence of citizens,” it said.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, CISLAC urged electoral bodies to protect the credibility of the voting process and called on political parties to embrace genuine internal democracy.
It also demanded appropriate sanctions for electoral offences and urged authorities to protect citizens who exercise their constitutional right to question government and demand accountability.
According to the organisation, Nigeria needs a fresh national commitment to credible elections, stronger institutions, responsible 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,” CISLAC said.
“At 66, Nigeria must move from democracy in name to democracy that genuinely delivers for the people.”
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