The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Nigeria’s chapter of Transparency International, has called for an end to impunity and for stronger democratic institutions as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC said the anniversary should go beyond ceremonial celebrations and serve as a moment for sober reflection on whether democracy is genuinely improving the lives of Nigerians.
According to the organisation, democracy must represent more than periodic elections and political transitions. It must deliver accountable leadership, functional institutions, security, justice, dignity and economic opportunities for all citizens.
CISLAC condemned the recent arrest and remand of five individuals in Maiduguri, Borno State, for allegedly printing and wearing T-shirts with the inscription “ Tinubu Must Go.” The men were reportedly charged with criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery.
The group warned that prosecuting citizens for peaceful political expression raises serious concerns about freedom of expression and shrinking civic space, noting that Amnesty International had also condemned the arrests.
“A democracy that criminalises peaceful dissent and treats political slogans as threats to public order is a democracy weakened from within,” CISLAC said.
The organisation said Nigeria’s democratic future depends on institutions that are stronger than individuals, political parties and vested interests, urging public office holders to treat public office as a public trust, not an avenue for personal enrichment or abuse of power.
To defend civic freedoms, CISLAC announced it would strengthen collaboration with Amnesty International and other human rights organisations to document cases where political actors or public officials are accused of suppressing civic rights and legitimate political expression. It said such documentation would support advocacy for accountability and engagement with national, regional and international human rights mechanisms.
CISLAC also called on the National Assembly to strengthen oversight, urged anti-corruption agencies to operate without political interference, and stressed that 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, warning that corruption deprives citizens of essential services while impunity erodes confidence in governance.
It expressed concern over the rising number of out-of-school children and the continued emigration of young and skilled Nigerians, as well as persistent insecurity including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal conflicts.
On the economy, CISLAC said independence must translate into tangible welfare gains — food security, decent jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education and social protection.
“Growth without inclusion is not prosperity, and democracy without economic dignity will continue to lose the confidence of citizens,” Rafsanjani said.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the group urged electoral institutions to safeguard electoral integrity, called on political parties to entrench internal democracy, and demanded effective punishment of electoral offences.
“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 stated.
It added: “At 66, Nigeria must move from democracy in name to democracy that genuinely delivers for the people.”
