Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has urged Nigerians to use the 65th Independence anniversary as a moment of sober reflection, warning that the country’s democracy remains hollow without security, accountability, and good governance.
Adeyanju, in a statement on Thursday, lamented that democratic values in Nigeria appear confined to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, while state governments continue to operate with what he described as unchecked power and minimal accountability.
“Today, democracy in Nigeria seems to exist only in Abuja; it is almost non-existent at the subnational levels. Our governors wield excessive power with little to no accountability and they are shielded from scrutiny even as their salaries and allowances continue to rise,” he said.
The lawyer accused many state chief executives of undermining the nation’s anti-corruption fight, recalling how 19 governors almost crippled the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) less than a year ago. He added that the disregard for the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government autonomy was another glaring example of selective obedience to the rule of law.
“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.
Turning to the federal cabinet, the activist decried what he described as the absence of many ministers in governance, arguing that only a handful are visible and actively working.
“A country of Nigeria’s magnitude and challenges cannot afford ghost ministers. Only about four of our ministers are visible and working; the rest are missing in action and are only ministers by portfolio,” he added.
On insecurity, Adeyanju insisted that independence celebrations ring hollow for millions of Nigerians who still live in fear of violence and attacks.
“Independence means nothing without security. Nigeria must urgently strengthen its internal and territorial security so that citizens can feel safe in their homes, on their roads, and within their communities. Every other day we hear of unknown gunmen unleashing terror across the nation. This cannot continue,” he warned.
Adeyanju concluded that Independence Day should not be reduced to a ceremonial date on the calendar but should serve as a call to action for building a country where democracy, accountability, and security are realities for all citizens and not just a privileged few.
