The Centre for Righteousness Living (CRIL), a Christian-based Non-Governmental Organisation, has congratulated the government and people of Nigeria on the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary. CRIL Chairman, Dr. Olatunji Abolade, issued a statement after a meeting by members of the Think-Tank Committee on the State of the nation. The statement emphasized that the anniversary should be more than a ceremonial celebration, but a moment of sober reflection on the country’s journey.
According to CRIL, Nigeria’s independence was achieved through political engagement, sacrifice, negotiation, courage and determination to establish a nation capable of determining its own destiny. The founding fathers understood that independence was not an end in itself, but the beginning of the difficult work of nation-building. CRIL urged today’s political class to build on what previous generations started, rather than continually presenting new promises.
CRIL expressed concerns over politicians making promises to deceive the people as Nigeria enters the next election cycle. The organization noted that successive administrations introduced policies and programmes aimed at addressing the country’s developmental challenges. However, national development cannot be sustained when every new political administration seeks to discard, rename or reinvent what its predecessor began.
The body called on political leaders to demonstrate a greater commitment to continuity, accountability, institutional development, national unity, economic productivity, quality education, infrastructure, security, justice and inclusive governance. CRIL challenged politicians to reconsider the culture of expansive promises during election campaigns. Instead, political leaders must be prepared to tell Nigerians not only what they intend to do, but how they intend to do it.
CRIL noted the efforts of the current government to give economic independence to Nigeria and congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his efforts to liberate Nigeria economically. However, the organization called on the government to consider the poor in its economic policies, noting that every government policy ends up with the masses. CRIL also called on the current leaders to build on the legacy and correct the mistakes of the past.
The Centre called for greater attention to the values that are essential to nation-building, including service before self, patriotism, public accountability, national cohesion, respect for institutions, sacrifice, hard work and commitment to the common good. CRIL maintained that political differences are inevitable in a democracy, but political competition must not become an excuse for undermining national interests or destroying institutions.
CRIL urged citizens to demand more from their leaders, saying democracy does not end at the ballot box. Citizens have a continuing responsibility to ask questions, demand transparency, scrutinize public expenditure and hold elected officials accountable. The organization called on Nigerians to ask their politicians relevant questions that have to do with their welfare and development.
Key points
- CRIL urges political leaders to build on the legacies of Nigeria's founding fathers.
- The organization calls for greater attention to values essential to nation-building.
- CRIL challenges politicians to reconsider the culture of expansive promises during election campaigns.
