By Hosea Parah
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called for an end to impunity and for stronger democratic institutions, justice, peace and inclusive economic prosperity as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
The Transparency International chapter in Nigeria said the anniversary should go beyond ceremony to a hard look at whether democracy was improving citizens’ lives. In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, it said democracy must mean more than elections and political transitions.
It must deliver accountable leadership, security, justice, dignity, and economic opportunity, the group said.
CISLAC expressed concern over the recent arrest and remand of five men in Maiduguri, Borno State, over 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 prosecuting citizens over peaceful political expression raises serious concerns about freedom of expression and shrinking civic space.
Amnesty International has also condemned the reported arrests, describing political dissent as protected by fundamental rights.
“A democracy that criminalises peaceful dissent and treats political slogans as threats to public order is a democracy weakened from within,” CISLAC said.
It said it would deepen collaboration with Amnesty International and other rights groups to document and profile cases involving political or public officials accused of undermining civic freedoms, suppressing legitimate political expression or frustrating citizens’ rights. The documentation, it added, would support sustained advocacy for accountability and, where applicable, engagement with national, regional and international human rights mechanisms.
CISLAC urged the National Assembly to strengthen oversight and called on anti-corruption agencies to operate without political interference. It said the judiciary, law enforcement and regulatory institutions must remain independent, professional and accountable.
The group identified corruption, insecurity and injustice as major threats to democratic stability, saying corruption deprives citizens of essential services while impunity erodes public confidence in government.
It also raised concern over the number of Nigerian children who remain out of school and the continued emigration of young and skilled Nigerians seeking better opportunities.
According to CISLAC, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and abuses by security institutions continue to undermine citizens’ right to live without fear. It stressed that security measures must be accompanied by accountability, human rights protection, conflict prevention and access to justice.
On the economy, the organisation said independence must translate into food on the table, decent jobs, 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.
Ahead of the 2027 elections, CISLAC urged electoral institutions to protect the integrity of the vote and political parties to strengthen internal democracy. It also asked authorities to ensure that electoral offences attract consequences, and called for protection of civic space and citizens’ right to question those who govern them.
“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.