The PILEX Centre for Civic Education Initiative, also known as The People’s Advocates, has accused the Federal Government of Nigeria of failing in its constitutional obligations to its citizens, citing what it described as a “total breach of the social contract.”
Speaking on the issue on Sunday, September 21, 2025, the group coordinator, Courage Nsirimovu, likened the current state of the nation to a dishonored promissory note, echoing the words of Martin Luther King Jr. in his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
According to Nsirimovu, the Nigerian Constitution guarantees citizens security, welfare, democracy, social justice, independent judiciary, and electoral integrity. However, recent political and judicial developments particularly the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State and the suspension of the state governor have undermined these guarantees.
The group alleged that both the judiciary and electoral bodies have lost their independence, becoming instruments of the executive, and warned that the government has failed in its testamentary duty to uphold justice and fairness.
“It is apparent that sovereignty has been taken away from the people of Nigeria by capturing the electoral bodies,” he said, insisting that only comprehensive electoral reform and real-time transmission of election results can restore confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
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The group also faulted the removal of fuel subsidy, alleged mismanagement of public funds, and excessive borrowing, describing these as further evidence of government’s failure to meet its constitutional mandate of ensuring the welfare of the people.
Warning of the growing hopelessness among citizens, Nsirimovu noted that many Nigerians are already “revoking the social contract” through emigration, calls for secession, and rising militancy.
He urged President Bola Tinubu, the judiciary, and the legislature to uphold their oath to defend the Constitution, stressing that sovereignty belongs to the people.
“Failure to do so, will only deepen Nigeria’s crisis until the people, in despair, revolt or disengage because leadership was too selfish and weak to hold the center, he concluded“.
