CISLAC urges end to impunity, protection of civic freedoms on 66th Independence Anniversary

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the Nigerian chapter of Transparency International, has called on the government to strengthen democratic institutions, combat corruption, and protect fundamental human rights as the nation marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.

In an official statement signed by Executive Director Auwal Rafsanjani, the advocacy group urged public officials to use the national milestone for critical reflection on whether democratic governance is delivering tangible economic and social progress for ordinary citizens.

The organization highlighted the recent arrest and prosecution of five men in Maiduguri, Borno State, who were charged with criminal conspiracy and public disturbance for wearing T-shirts carrying anti-government political slogans. CISLAC warned that criminalizing peaceful political expression points to a worrying reduction in civic space.

Key concerns raised by the civil society coalition include:

• Shrinking Civic Space: CISLAC announced plans to partner with Amnesty International and regional human rights bodies to document public officials accused of suppressing peaceful dissent, restricting civic freedoms, or misusing state machinery against political critics.
• Institutional Independence: The group called on the National Assembly to enhance legislative oversight, demanding that anti-corruption agencies, police forces, and judicial bodies operate free from political interference.
• Socio-Economic Challenges: The statement drew attention to persistent economic hardship, rising numbers of out-of-school children, high inflation affecting basic foodstuffs, and the ongoing brain drain of skilled young Nigerians emigrating abroad.
• Electoral Integrity Ahead of 2027: Looking ahead to the next general election cycle, CISLAC urged electoral bodies to enforce strict penalties for electoral offences and safeguard the credibility of the ballot box.

Reflecting on the milestone, Mr. Rafsanjani stated that the true test of Nigeria’s independence lies not in the passage of time, but in whether democratic governance guarantees security, justice, economic dignity, and accountable leadership for all citizens.