Abuja:The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has urged the Nigerian government to end impunity and strengthen institutions to achieve justice and inclusive economic prosperity. This call was made by CISLAC’s Executive Director and Head of Transparency International in Nigeria, Auwal Rafsanjani, in a statement observing Nigeria’s 66th independence anniversary.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Rafsanjani emphasized the need for democracy to extend beyond elections and political transitions, advocating for accountable leadership, security, justice, dignity, and economic opportunities. He highlighted the importance of building institutions that are stronger than individuals, political parties, and vested interests.
Rafsanjani called on public officials to view their roles as a public trust rather than a means for personal gain. He announced CISLAC’s intention to collaborate with Amnesty International and other rights organizations to document threats to civic freedoms, which would bolster advocacy efforts for accountability.
He also urged the National Assembly to enhance oversight and called on anti-corruption agencies to function without political interference. The judiciary, law enforcement, and regulatory bodies were advised to maintain independence, professionalism, and accountability.
Identifying corruption, insecurity, and injustice as significant threats to democratic stability, Rafsanjani expressed concern about the large number of out-of-school children and the continued emigration of young, skilled Nigerians. He noted that terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and abuses by security institutions undermine citizens’ safety and emphasized the need for security measures to be coupled with accountability and human rights protection.
On economic issues, Rafsanjani stated that independence should lead to food security, decent jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education, and opportunities for youth and businesses. He warned that growth without inclusion is not true prosperity, and democracy without economic dignity risks losing citizens’ trust.
Ahead of the 2027 elections, he urged electoral bodies to safeguard the integrity of the vote and political parties to enhance internal democracy. He emphasized the importance of ensuring electoral offences have consequences while protecting the civic space and citizens’ rights to demand accountability.
Rafsanjani concluded by stressing the need for a renewed commitment to credible elections, robust institutions, accountable leadership, justice, peace, anti-corruption reforms, and shared prosperity, reflecting on whether Nigeria’s independence genuinely benefits its citizens.