ABUJA – The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has strongly criticised Nigeria’s democratic institutions under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, warning that governance failures and a weakening of democratic values betray the legacy of the late Professor Abubakar Momoh, a renowned scholar and democracy advocate.
In a statement marking both the 8th anniversary of Momoh’s passing and the 26th year of Nigeria’s return to civilian rule, CHRICED’s Executive Director, Comrade Dr. Ibrahim Zikirullahi, decried the erosion of fundamental democratic principles such as the rule of law, separation of powers, and accountability in leadership.
“The executive branch now overshadows the other arms of government,” Zikirullahi said, “with the legislature reduced to a rubber-stamp institution and the judiciary plagued by questionable decisions.”
CHRICED criticised the National Assembly for abandoning its oversight role and accused it of serving executive interests rather than the Nigerian people. The organisation cited the swift passage of politically symbolic legislation like the National Anthem Bill, while critical bills such as the Food Pricing Bill and the Electoral Reform Bill remain stalled.
“Out of over 800 proposed bills in two years, only 23 have been enacted—most aligned with executive interests,” the statement said.
The group also condemned the government’s economic direction, arguing that neoliberal reforms, largely influenced by global financial institutions, have deepened poverty and widened inequality.
“Professor Momoh believed that genuine development must place the welfare of citizens at the centre,” Zikirullahi stated. “He championed policies that offered social protection to help ordinary Nigerians navigate economic hardships.”
As the country celebrates over two decades of uninterrupted civil rule, CHRICED called on President Tinubu to recommit to the democratic ideals that inspired Nigeria’s transition in 1999.
“For millions of Nigerians enduring unemployment, inflation, insecurity, and rising costs of living, democracy has yet to fulfil its promise,” the group said.
CHRICED also highlighted the threats to free speech, the deterioration of electoral integrity, and the growing perception of justice as a commodity as major challenges that have left the country worse off compared to 1999.
“Professor Momoh’s legacy remains a guiding light,” Zikirullahi added, “reminding us that real democracy demands constant vigilance, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to justice.”
