As Nigeria celebrates 66 years of independence, various organizations are urging the government to prioritize citizens' needs. Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the Federal and state governments to build a country where democracy translates into security, dignity, economic opportunity, accountable governance, and improved quality of life for citizens. CAPPA acknowledged Nigerians' resilience and the country's progress since independence, including the return to democratic rule in 1999 and over two decades of uninterrupted civilian government.
CAPPA, however, emphasized that Nigeria's democratic journey must be assessed by whether citizens can live safely, participate meaningfully in governance, afford basic necessities, and trust public institutions to work in their interest. For many Nigerians, Independence Day has become an acknowledgement of the country's political existence, as economic hardship and insecurity have pushed some citizens to seek opportunities abroad or consider leaving the country. This highlights the need for the government to address these pressing issues.
The Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT) has appealed for patience, urging Nigerians to continue supporting President Bola Tinubu's administration. NASFAT noted that the reforms embarked upon over the last three years are aimed at achieving lasting results for future generations. The organization's National President, Ayodeji AbdulWahid AbdulRauf, stressed that transformational journeys were often challenging at the beginning, but with patience and perseverance, the benefits of the reforms would eventually be realized.
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Transparency International Chapter in Nigeria, has challenged the Federal Government to end impunity, strengthen democratic institutions, and reverse the shrinking civic space. CISLAC's Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, stated that democracy must go beyond elections and changes of government to deliver accountable leadership, security, justice, dignity, and economic prosperity. This call comes amid concerns over the reported arrest and remand of five men in Maiduguri, Borno State, on allegations linked to printing and wearing T-shirts bearing the inscription "Tinubu Must Go."
CISLAC expressed concern over the prosecution of citizens over peaceful political expression, which raises serious questions about freedom of expression and the state of Nigeria's civic space. The organization insisted that the real test of independence was whether Nigerians could live in peace, freely express themselves, obtain justice, and enjoy economic opportunities. This highlights the need for the government to ensure that citizens' rights are protected and respected.
NASFAT emphasized that Nigerians also have a huge role to play in the ongoing efforts to reset the country. The organization's National President noted that Nigeria's future cannot depend solely on governments, political leaders, or public institutions. This underscores the importance of citizen participation in the country's development and progress.
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, various organizations are reiterating the need for the government to prioritize citizens' needs and ensure that democracy delivers tangible benefits to the people. The key points raised by CAPPA, NASFAT, and CISLAC highlight the need for improved democracy, security, and economy.
Key points
- CAPPA calls for a country where democracy translates into security, dignity, economic opportunity, and accountable governance.
- NASFAT appeals for patience and urges Nigerians to continue supporting President Bola Tinubu's administration.
- CISLAC challenges the Federal Government to end impunity, strengthen democratic institutions, and reverse the shrinking civic space.
