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.
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