CHRICED calls for democratic reforms in honour of late Abubakar Momoh

By Uzair Adam On May 30, 2025

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As Nigeria marks 26 years of uninterrupted civil rule and the eighth anniversary of the death of renowned scholar and activist Professor Abubakar Momoh, the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has called for a return to genuine democratic principles and a reassessment of the country’s governance trajectory.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by CHRICED’s Executive Director, Comrade Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, on Thursday in commemoration of Professor Momoh’s legacy and Nigeria’s democratic journey.

According to the statement, Professor Momoh, who was the pioneer chairman of CHRICED, was a tireless advocate for democracy, justice, and civic engagement throughout his over three-decade career.

The organisation described him as an “Activist-Scholar” whose intellectual contributions and practical activism left a lasting mark on civil society and Nigeria’s struggle for good governance.

CHRICED expressed concern over the state of Nigeria’s democracy, lamenting what it described as the erosion of key democratic values such as the rule of law, credible elections, and the independence of the legislature and judiciary.

It criticized the National Assembly for allegedly prioritising executive interests over the people’s welfare, citing the passage of only 23 out of over 800 proposed bills in the last two years.

The statement also took issue with the swift passage of the National Anthem Bill while more impactful legislation, such as the Food Pricing Bill and the Electoral Reform Bill, remains unattended.

It further condemned the approval of the 2025 Appropriation Bill, describing it as reckless and filled with controversial projects lacking transparency and accountability.

On economic matters, CHRICED recalled Professor Momoh’s opposition to neoliberal policies driven by international financial institutions. It warned that the continuation of such policies, such as fuel subsidy removal, floating exchange rates, and excessive borrowing, without social cushioning, has worsened the plight of ordinary Nigerians.

The group called for sustainable, locally driven solutions that put the people’s well-being at the centre of economic reforms.

CHRICED urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is marking his second year in office, to reflect on these concerns and realign governance with the democratic ideals that Professor Momoh championed.

It stressed that for democracy to be meaningful to Nigerians, leaders must be accountable, uphold free speech, and ensure credible elections and access to justice.

“The legacy of Professor Abubakar Momoh remains a guiding light,” the statement concluded. “True democracy requires vigilance, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to justice.”