The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)has joined Nigerians in marking June 12, a day it described as a defining moment in the nation’s democratic evolution that underscores a fundamental truth: democracy was not gifted; it was won through sacrifice, courage, and the relentless struggle of patriots who confronted oppression and authoritarian rule.
The executive director of CISLAC, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, in a statement, said June 12 remained a solemn reminder that the democratic space enjoyed today was secured at great personal cost by men and women who believed in justice, accountability, human rights, and the sovereignty of the people.
“Tribute to Nigeria’s Democratic Heroes and Heroines CISLAC pays profound tribute to the following heroes and heroines whose sacrifices, voices, and struggles shaped Nigeria’s democratic journey and continue to inspire the ongoing pursuit of justice, equity, and accountable governance:
“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, Innocent Chukwuma, Bagauda Kalthoum, Dr Bala Yusuf Usman, Dr Segun Osoba.
“Barrister Chris Abashi, Nelson Ananze, Joseph Mamman, 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 honours the authors of the Minority Report of the 1978 Constitutional Conference, alongside countless other known and unknown patriots whose contributions helped shape Nigeria’s democratic foundation.
“Their legacy remains a guiding light for democratic resilience, civic responsibility, and the continuous demand for good governance. Nigeria at 26 Years of Democratic Rule: Progress and Persistent Challenges
As Nigeria marks over two decades of uninterrupted democratic governance, CISLAC acknowledges the significance of sustaining civilian rule and peaceful political transitions,” the statement reads in parts.
CISLAC stressed that democracy must be judged not only by elections, but by its ability to deliver security, welfare, justice, and inclusive development.
It added that:”deepening insecurity and threats to National Stability
CISLAC expresses grave concern over the worsening security situation across the country, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence, and farmer-herder conflicts that continue to claim lives and displace communities.
“The organisation warns that no democracy can thrive where citizens live in constant fear and calls for urgent, coordinated, and effective national security reforms anchored on intelligence, accountability, and prevention.
“Economic Hardship, Poverty, and Social Inequality
CISLAC notes with concern the worsening economic conditions, rising inflation, unemployment, and the increasing cost of living exacerbated by policy reforms such as fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate adjustments.
“While acknowledging the intent of these reforms, CISLAC stresses the urgent need for inclusive and people-centred policies that reduce inequality and provide social protection for vulnerable populations.
“Youth Unemployment and the Future of National Stability
The organisation warns that persistent youth unemployment and underemployment pose a serious threat to national stability, contributing to irregular migration, social frustration, and insecurity.
“It calls for strategic investments in education, skills development, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and industrial growth to harness Nigeria’s youthful population for national development.
“Corruption and Weak Institutional Accountability
CISLAC identifies corruption as a major obstacle to Nigeria’s democratic and developmental progress, undermining public trust and diverting resources from critical sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure.
“It calls for stronger institutions, protection for whistleblowers, transparent procurement systems, and decisive political will to ensure accountability without bias or selective enforcement.
“Electoral Integrity and Internal Party Democracy
While acknowledging improvements in electoral processes, CISLAC expresses concern over persistent challenges such as vote buying, electoral violence, low voter turnout, and the growing influence of money politics.
“It also highlights the weakness of internal party democracy, including candidate imposition and manipulated primaries, calling for urgent reforms to strengthen political parties as institutions of democratic representation.
“Education and Healthcare as Pillars of Development
CISLAC raises concern over Nigeria’s deteriorating education and healthcare systems, marked by out-of-school children, inadequate infrastructure, staffing shortages, and rising costs of services.
“It stresses that sustainable democracy cannot exist without strong investment in human capital development, calling for increased funding and equitable access to quality education and healthcare,” the statement added.
The organisation expressed concern over shrinking civic space, declining public trust in institutions, and challenges affecting judicial independence and access to justice.
It called for stronger, independent institutions capable of functioning without political interference and committed to upholding the rule of law.
CISLAC reaffirmed that while Nigeria has sustained democracy for 26 years, endurance alone is not sufficient, saying democracy must translate into improved livelihoods, stronger institutions, enhanced security, justice, and inclusive governance.
The organisation called on government, political actors, civil society, the media, and citizens to recommit to transparency, accountability, participation, and respect for democratic principles.
