Bilkisu Adejoh
As Nigerians mark Democracy Day, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has reminded citizens that the freedoms enjoyed today were not handed down on a platter but earned through years of struggle, sacrifice, and resistance against oppression by courageous patriots who paid the ultimate price for democratic governance.
In a Democracy Day message released on June 12, CISLAC described the historic date as more than a public holiday, calling it a symbol of courage, resilience, and the relentless quest for justice, accountability, and the rule of law.
The organisation paid glowing tribute to the men and women whose sacrifices shaped Nigeria’s democratic journey, stressing that their legacies continue to inspire the ongoing struggle for a more transparent, inclusive, and accountable nation.
Signed by CISLAC Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the statement honoured several prominent figures who played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s democratic movement. Among those remembered were Chief MKO Abiola, Hajia Kudirat Abiola, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Balarabe Musa, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Prof. Eskor Toyo, Prof. Festus Iyayi, Comrade Chima Ubani, Barrister Bamidele Aturu, Comrade Emma Ezeazu, Dr. Yima Sen, Mallam Abubakar Sokoto, Professor Abubakar Momoh, Dr. Bala Jibrin, Joseph Mamman, Anslem Akele, Abdulrahman Black, Oby Nwankwo, Comrade Hassana Garba, Comrade Abiodun Aremu, Mr. Alao Aka-Bashorun,
Others include Innocent Chukwuma, Bagauda Kalthoum, Dr. Bala Yusuf Usman, Dr. Segun Osoba, Barrister Chris Abashi, Nelson Ananze, Bar. Hauwa Evelyn Shekarau, Comrade Christy Adambara, Farida Mustapha, Alhaja Raliat Daniju, Douglas Oronto, Hajiya Bilikisu Yusuf, Dr. Ola Oni, Mrs. Kehinde Ola Oni, Cosmos Attayi-Elaigu, Bene Madunagu, Dr. Tajudeen Abdulraheem, Comrade Ali Ciroma, Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson, Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde, Comrade Abiodun Ogunade (Revo), Comrade Basil Chianson, and Bello Aidoloje.
CISLAC also recognised the authors of the Minority Report of the 1978 Constitutional Conference, alongside numerous other unsung patriots whose efforts laid the foundation for democratic governance in Nigeria.
While commemorating the nation’s democratic milestones, the organisation expressed concern over what it described as growing threats to the country’s democratic gains, including worsening insecurity, widespread poverty, corruption, and weak governance structures.
According to CISLAC, although Nigeria has sustained 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule and peaceful transitions of power, democracy must be measured by more than periodic elections. It noted that citizens expect democratic governance to deliver security, justice, economic opportunities, and improved living conditions.
The organisation raised alarm over escalating security challenges across the country, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes, and farmer-herder conflicts.
It warned that democracy cannot flourish where citizens live in fear and called for comprehensive security reforms driven by intelligence, accountability, and preventive measures.
On the economy, CISLAC lamented the rising cost of living, inflation, unemployment, and the hardship facing millions of Nigerians. While acknowledging the objectives behind policy reforms such as fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate adjustments, it urged government at all levels to implement people-centred policies that protect vulnerable citizens and reduce inequality.
The group also identified youth unemployment as a major threat to national stability, warning that the growing number of unemployed and underemployed young people could fuel insecurity, social unrest, and irregular migration if urgent interventions are not implemented.
To address the challenge, CISLAC called for strategic investments in education, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and industrial development to unlock the potential of Nigeria’s youthful population.
The organisation further described corruption as one of the greatest obstacles to democratic development, noting that it continues to erode public trust and divert resources away from critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
It advocated stronger institutions, transparent procurement processes, protection for whistleblowers, and a more determined commitment to accountability and anti-corruption efforts without political interference.
On electoral reforms, CISLAC acknowledged improvements recorded in recent elections but expressed concern over persistent issues such as vote buying, electoral violence, low voter turnout, and the increasing influence of money in politics. It also criticised the lack of internal democracy within political parties, including candidate imposition and manipulated primary elections.
The organisation also highlighted the declining state of Nigeria’s education and healthcare sectors, citing inadequate infrastructure, manpower shortages, increasing costs, and the growing number of out-of-school children as evidence that urgent interventions are required.
Additionally, CISLAC voiced concern over shrinking civic space, declining public confidence in state institutions, and challenges affecting judicial independence and access to justice. It stressed the need for stronger democratic institutions capable of operating free from political pressure.
CISLAC maintained that while sustaining democracy for more than two decades is commendable, mere survival is not enough. It insisted that democracy must translate into better livelihoods, stronger institutions, enhanced security, social justice, and inclusive governance.
The organisation called on government, political leaders, civil society organisations, the media, and citizens to renew their commitment to transparency, accountability, participation, and democratic values, stressing that Nigeria’s democratic future will ultimately be judged not by elections alone, but by the dignity, safety, and prosperity of its people.
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