June 12: CISLAC honours democracy heroes, raises alarm over insecurity, poverty in Nigeria

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, has paid tribute to the heroes and heroines of Nigeria’s democratic struggle, declaring that the country’s democracy was not handed to its citizens but won through years of sacrifice, courage and resistance against authoritarian rule.

In a Democracy Day statement issued on Thursday by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the organisation described June 12 as a symbol of the resilience of Nigerians who fought for justice, human rights, accountability and the sovereignty of the people.

According to CISLAC, the annual commemoration serves as a reminder that the democratic freedoms enjoyed today were secured at great personal cost by patriots who challenged military dictatorship and oppression.

Tribute to Democracy Heroes

The organisation paid tribute to several prominent figures whose contributions shaped Nigeria’s democratic journey, including Chief MKO Abiola, Hajia Kudirat Abiola, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Balarabe Musa, Prof. Eskor Toyo, Prof. Festus Iyayi, Comrade Chima Ubani, Barrister Bamidele Aturu, Emma Ezeazu, Dr. Yima Sen, Prof. Abubakar Momoh, Innocent Chukwuma, Douglas Oronto, Hajiya Bilkisu Yusuf, Dr. Tajudeen Abdulraheem and several others.

CISLAC also honoured the authors of the Minority Report of the 1978 Constitutional Conference and numerous unnamed activists and citizens who contributed to Nigeria’s democratic development.

“Their legacy remains a guiding light for democratic resilience, civic responsibility and the continuous demand for good governance,” the organisation stated.

Democracy Beyond Elections

While acknowledging Nigeria’s achievement of over two decades of uninterrupted democratic governance and peaceful transitions of power, CISLAC stressed that democracy should not be measured solely by the conduct of elections.

The organisation argued that the true test of democracy lies in its ability to guarantee security, justice, welfare and inclusive development for citizens.

“As Nigeria marks over two decades of democratic rule, there is a need to assess whether democratic governance is translating into improved living conditions and opportunities for the people,” it said.

Concern Over Rising Insecurity

CISLAC expressed concern over the worsening security situation across the country, citing terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes and farmer-herder conflicts as major threats to national stability.

The organisation noted that continued violence has led to the loss of lives and displacement of communities, warning that democracy cannot flourish in an environment where citizens live in fear.

It called for comprehensive security sector reforms driven by intelligence gathering, accountability and preventive measures.

Economic Hardship and Rising Poverty

The advocacy group also raised alarm over increasing economic hardship, inflation, unemployment and the rising cost of living.

According to CISLAC, recent policy reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidies and foreign exchange adjustments have intensified the burden on ordinary Nigerians despite their long-term economic objectives.

The organisation urged government at all levels to adopt people-centred policies that protect vulnerable groups and reduce widening social inequalities.

Youth Unemployment Threatens Stability

CISLAC warned that persistent youth unemployment and underemployment pose significant risks to national stability.

It said the lack of economic opportunities for young people contributes to irregular migration, insecurity and social discontent.

To address the challenge, the organisation advocated increased investment in education, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, agriculture and industrialisation.

Corruption Remains Major Challenge

The group identified corruption as one of the biggest obstacles to Nigeria’s democratic and developmental progress.

According to CISLAC, corruption continues to weaken public trust in institutions and diverts resources meant for critical sectors such as healthcare, education and infrastructure.

It called for stronger anti-corruption institutions, transparent public procurement systems, protection for whistleblowers and consistent accountability measures free from political interference.

Electoral Reforms and Internal Party Democracy

Although it acknowledged improvements in electoral administration, CISLAC expressed concern over vote-buying, electoral violence, voter apathy and the growing influence of money in politics.

The organisation also criticised what it described as weak internal democracy within political parties, including the imposition of candidates and manipulation of party primaries.

It urged stakeholders to pursue reforms aimed at strengthening political parties as genuine platforms for democratic representation.

Education, Healthcare and Civic Space

CISLAC further highlighted challenges confronting Nigeria’s education and healthcare sectors, including inadequate infrastructure, staffing shortages, rising costs and the growing number of out-of-school children.

The organisation maintained that democracy cannot be sustained without substantial investment in human capital development and called for increased funding and equitable access to quality services.

It also expressed concern over what it described as shrinking civic space, declining public confidence in institutions and challenges affecting judicial independence.

According to the group, strong democratic governance requires independent institutions capable of operating without political interference and upholding the rule of law.

Call for Democratic Renewal

As Nigeria marks 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, CISLAC urged government, political leaders, civil society organisations, the media and citizens to recommit themselves to the principles of transparency, accountability and participation.

The organisation maintained that while sustaining democracy is important, its success should ultimately be measured by improvements in the welfare, security and prosperity of Nigerians.

“Nigeria’s democratic future will be judged not by the survival of elections alone, but by the dignity, safety and prosperity of its people,” the statement added.