By Perpetua Onuegbu
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called for an end to impunity and for stronger institutions, justice and inclusive economic prosperity.
The Executive Director of CISLAC and Head of Transparency International in Nigeria, Auwal Rafsanjani, made the call in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
Rafsanjani said Nigeria’s 66th independence anniversary should provide an opportunity for critical reflection on whether democracy is improving citizens’ lives.
According to him, democracy must go beyond elections and political transitions to deliver accountable leadership, security, justice, dignity and economic opportunities.
Rafsanjani stressed that Nigeria’s democratic future depends on institutions stronger than individuals, political parties and powerful interests.
He urged public officials to regard public office as a public trust rather than an avenue for personal enrichment, patronage or abuse.
He said CISLAC would strengthen collaboration with Amnesty International and other rights groups to document cases involving threats to civic freedoms.
According to him, such documentation will support advocacy for accountability and engagement with relevant national, regional and international human rights mechanisms.
He urged the National Assembly to strengthen oversight and called on anti-corruption agencies to operate without political interference.
He also urged the judiciary, law enforcement and regulatory institutions to remain independent, professional and accountable in the discharge of their duties.
Rafsanjani identified corruption, insecurity and injustice as major threats to democratic stability, saying corruption deprives citizens of essential services.
He expressed concern over the number of out-of-school children and the continued emigration of young and skilled Nigerians.
The executive director said terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and abuses by security institutions continue to undermine citizens’ right to live without fear.
He stressed that security measures must be accompanied by accountability, human rights protection, conflict prevention and access to justice.
On the economy, Rafsanjani said independence must translate into food, decent jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education and opportunities for young people and businesses.
“Growth without inclusion is not prosperity, while democracy without economic dignity will continue to lose citizens’ confidence,” he said.
Ahead of the 2027 elections, he urged electoral institutions to protect the integrity of the vote and political parties to strengthen internal democracy.
He also urged authorities to ensure that electoral offences attract consequences, while protecting civic space and citizens’ right to demand accountability.
Rafsanjani called for renewed commitment to credible elections, stronger institutions, accountable leadership, justice, peace, anti-corruption reforms and shared prosperity.
He said the true measure of Nigeria’s independence is whether citizens can live peacefully, thrive, obtain justice and build dignified futures.
“At 66, Nigeria must move from democracy in name to democracy that genuinely delivers for the people,” Rafsanjani said. (NAN)
PUO/IAA
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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola
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