Isiyaku Ahmed
The Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement (CEFSAN) has said there can be no meaningful celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary while millions of citizens remain trapped in hunger, poverty, insecurity, unemployment and hopelessness.
In an Independence Day statement issued by its Executive Director, Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo, Esq., on Thursday, CEFSAN questioned what Nigerians were celebrating when families could barely afford food, farmers could not safely access their farms, and young people struggled to secure decent jobs.
It cited Sections 14, 16 and 17 of the 1999 Constitution, which outline the government’s responsibility for citizens’ security, welfare, economic wellbeing and social justice.
CEFSAN also urged the Tinubu administration to take responsibility for the impact of its policies and make the welfare and security of ordinary Nigerians the central measure of governance.
The group further reminded the government that constitutional rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly must be protected, stressing that criticism and demands for accountability should not be treated as acts of disloyalty.
It called on labour unions, civil society groups, students, journalists, professional bodies and citizens to intensify peaceful and lawful action against hunger, insecurity, corruption, impunity and poor governance.
CEFSAN said Nigerians should reject divisions based on ethnicity, religion and political affiliation while facing common socioeconomic challenges.
“We will not celebrate hunger. We will not celebrate insecurity. We will not celebrate poverty. We will not celebrate impunity,” it declared.
CEFSAN said political independence would remain incomplete until ordinary Nigerians could enjoy dignity, security and meaningful opportunities.
