By Gbolahan Balogun --
As Nigeria celebrates its 64th Independence Day, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has issued a damning statement, declaring that the country has little to celebrate.
In the press release, signed by the National President, Debo Adeniran, the group highlighted the worsening plight of Nigerians, criticizing the current administration’s policies and the increasing hardship across the country.
While acknowledging the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers, who fought for independence in 1960, CDHR lamented that the ideals of freedom, justice, and equity for which they stood have been severely undermined. “Our freedom didn’t come easily,” the statement reads.
“It was the result of long years of struggle and immense sacrifices. But today, Nigerians are neither happy nor free.”
According to the CDHR, the situation has deteriorated under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, which has imposed harsh economic measures, including the controversial 300% hike in fuel prices. These actions, the group argued, have driven millions into poverty, destroyed the middle class, and led to an alarming rise in unemployment and suicide rates.
The CDHR further criticised the bloated nature of Nigeria’s government, calling for urgent constitutional reforms.
Among their recommendations are the abolition of state governments, leaving only federal and local governments to function. "State governments are just discomfiting interlopers, whose roles can be better played as local government.
"State governments are the veritable excuses why local governments had not been functioning optimally. That is why state governments don’t want autonomy for local governments" the statement added
They also suggested reducing the legislature to a unicameral system, with the House of Representatives handling lawmaking duties to streamline governance.
Other key demands included reducing the cost of governance, placing political officeholders on the minimum wage, and eliminating excessive allowances like security votes. The CDHR also called for free and compulsory education at primary and secondary levels, student grants, and the reversal of recent fuel price hikes.
The group did not mince words in condemning state repression, demanding the unconditional release of #EndSARS protesters, journalists, and whistleblowers. They also pushed for reforms in the electoral system, including independent candidature, diaspora voting, and a truly independent electoral body.
In a final, strong message, the CDHR urged the government to convene a Sovereign National Conference to allow for the creation of a new Nigerian constitution, claiming that the current one was imposed by an illegitimate military regime and lacks legitimacy.
Comments powered by CComment