 has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, accusing it of straying from the democratic values championed by the late Professor Abubakar Momoh.){kind=link}
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, accusing it of straying from the democratic values championed by the late Professor Abubakar Momoh.
In a statement issued to mark the eighth anniversary of Momoh’s passing and the 26th anniversary of Nigeria’s democratic transition, CHRICED’s Executive Director, Dr. Ibrahim Zikirullahi, expressed concern over what he described as a serious decline in democratic standards and governance under the current administration.
He noted that the balance of power has shifted disproportionately in favour of the executive, leaving the legislature weakened and the judiciary under suspicion.
“What we are witnessing today is the growing subjugation of the legislative and judicial branches. The National Assembly now functions more like a tool of the executive, rather than a check on its powers,” he said.
CHRICED also pointed to the hasty passage of less critical laws, such as the new national anthem bill, while significant bills like those on electoral reform and food security remain stalled.
The group said that out of over 800 proposed bills in the last two years, only 23 have become law—most of which align with executive priorities.
The organisation raised alarms over the government’s economic direction, criticising neoliberal policies that, it said, have worsened poverty and social inequality.
It recalled Professor Momoh’s emphasis on placing citizens’ welfare at the centre of policy and governance, particularly during economic transitions.
As Nigeria marks over two decades of civilian rule, CHRICED urged the Tinubu administration to reflect on the country’s democratic journey and recommit to the values of accountability, justice, and inclusive governance.
“For a large segment of the population still grappling with unemployment, insecurity, inflation, and lack of basic services, democracy has not lived up to its promise,” the statement read.
The group also voiced concerns about shrinking civic space, unreliable elections, and what it called the commercialisation of the justice system.
Zikirullahi concluded by calling on leaders to uphold the ideals of Professor Momoh, whose life was dedicated to promoting justice, fairness, and participatory democracy.
“His memory should inspire a return to people-focused leadership and a genuine commitment to democratic governance,” he said.