Nigeria at 65: Adeyanju Flags Lack of Progress in Democracy, Governance, Security

Nigeria at 65: Adeyanju Flags Lack of Progress in Democracy, Governance, Security

 

 

 

Lawyer and human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, has raised concerns over Nigeria’s failure to make meaningful progress in governance, democracy, and security, as the country marks its 65th Independence anniversary.

 

In a statement on Wednesday, Adeyanju said that despite six and a half decades of independence, Nigeria’s democratic institutions remain weak, and accountability is largely absent.

 

“Today, democracy in Nigeria seems to exist only in Abuja; it is almost non-existent at the state and local levels,” he said. “Governors wield excessive power with little or no accountability, while their salaries and allowances continue to rise unchecked.”

 

Adeyanju recalled that less than a year ago, 19 state governors attempted to curtail the powers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), a move he argued could have crippled the anti-graft agency. “But for the intervention of the judiciary, the fight against corruption would have suffered a fatal blow,” he noted.

 

He also criticized the selective enforcement of judicial decisions, citing the Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy that has yet to be implemented in several states.

 

“Leaders cannot pick and choose which laws to obey. True democracy must be rooted in accountability at every level, not just in the Federal Capital Territory,” Adeyanju stressed.

 

The activist also questioned the performance of the federal executive, noting that only a handful of ministers are active in their roles. “Only about four of our ministers are visible and working; the rest are ghost ministers. A country of Nigeria’s size and complexity cannot afford ministers in name only,” he said.

 

Adeyanju further highlighted the rising insecurity across the country, pointing to frequent attacks by “unknown gunmen.” “Independence means nothing without security. Nigerians must feel safe in their homes, on the roads, and within their communities. This terror must end,” he said.

 

He urged Nigerians and their leaders to view Independence Day not merely as a ceremonial date but as a call for meaningful reforms. “It should be an ongoing effort to build a nation where democracy, accountability, and security are real for every citizen, not just a privileged few,” Adeyanju concluded.