As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, Pilex Centre -The Peoples Advocates has expressed concern over what it described as deepening hopelessness caused by poor leadership, disregard for the rule of law, and weakening of democratic institutions.
Reacting on this day, Executive Director of the organisation, Courage Nsirimovu, said the promise of renewed hope has instead given way to worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and erosion of civic freedoms.
Citing Section 14 of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates that government be based on democracy and social justice, Pilex Centre noted that recent developments including the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State, alleged manipulation of local government elections, and executive influence over the judiciary and legislature run contrary to democratic principles.
On human rights, the group condemned the repression of protests, including the recent “#EndBadGovernance” demonstrations, where protesters and journalists were reportedly assaulted by security operatives. It also criticised persistent cases of police extortion, brutality, and what it called the commercialisation of bail.
Pilex Centre further accused the judiciary of bias and delay in cases involving the executive, warning that manipulation of the courts could trigger public revolt. “When the people see that the judiciary can no longer give them justice, they will withdraw the social contract and revolt,” the group stated.
On security, the organisation lamented recurring insurgency attacks, banditry, and communal killings, describing them as evidence of government’s failure to uphold its constitutional duty to secure lives and property. It noted that many communities now rely on vigilante groups due to gaps in official policing.
Nsirimovu highlighted worsening economic conditions, rising debt, and the impact of fuel subsidy removal without visible improvements. It urged government to fix the refineries, power sector, and insecurity while reviving agriculture and manufacturing to reduce dependence on imports.
Pilex Centre raised concerns about environmental degradation in the Niger Delta, warning that crude oil pollution and gas flaring continue to endanger human health. It called on the Ministry of Environment to extend clean-up efforts beyond Ogoniland and to enforce stricter regulation of multinational and local companies operating in the region.
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On electoral reform, the group insisted that Nigeria’s underdevelopment stems from a flawed electoral system that allows “thugs and rogues” to hijack power. It urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on electoral reform and ensure electronic transmission of results from polling units to INEC servers.
“Until our votes count, good leaders will not have a chance,” Nsirimovu warned, adding that mismanagement of resources and entrenched corruption are by-products of compromised elections.
As Nigeria celebrates its independence, Pilex Centre urged leaders to reflect on the nation’s failures and embrace reforms to avert a looming crisis. “The people are hungry and angry. Government must fix this mess before it becomes unfixable,” he concluded.
