By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to prioritize addressing systemic inequality, institutional reforms, and the preservation of Nigeria’s democracy in 2025.

The organization highlighted the urgency of economic recovery, wage disparity, and democratic safeguards as key issues requiring immediate government action.

This appeal was made during a press briefing in Abuja by CHRICED’s Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi, on Tuesday.

The event, which focused on the state of the nation, emphasized the need for comprehensive strategies to address Nigeria’s socio-political and economic challenges.

CHRICED stressed the importance of empowering Nigeria’s 774 local government areas as foundational platforms for economic recovery and industrial development.

It called for structured and sustainable social protection programs to replace what it described as ‘uncoordinated and politically-motivated’ poverty alleviation schemes.

The organization also condemned the wide wage gap between political-office-holders and civil servants, labeling the disparity unjust and unsustainable.

With Nigerian Senators earning N31 million monthly compared to civil servants’ N70,000, CHRICED argued that the situation exemplifies deep-rooted inequalities that must be urgently addressed.

On safeguarding democracy, CHRICED warned against the growing trend of a one-party system, which it described as a threat to Nigeria’s democratic framework. It called for political diversity, robust opposition, and protection of citizens’ rights to ensure accountability and prevent power concentration.

Judicial and police reforms were also highlighted as essential for restoring integrity and trust in Nigeria’s justice system. CHRICED urged President Tinubu to commit to these reforms as a legacy-defining move. Similarly, it called for an overhaul of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to safeguard electoral integrity and avert potential conflicts.

The organization stressed the importance of protecting freedoms of assembly and expression, describing these rights as fundamental pillars of democracy. It also called for civil society organizations to unite in holding political-office-holders accountable, stressing the need to resist impunity and misconduct.

Zikirullahi stated, “The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) strongly urges the All-Progressives Congress (APC) government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to prioritize the well-being of poor, vulnerable Nigerians in the coming year.

“To effectively tackle the nation’s economic challenges, we propose that the government empowers the 774 local government areas as a foundational platform for economic recovery and industrial development.

“It is crucial that the government address the glaring wage disparity between political-office-holders and civil servants.

“The current situation, where a Nigerian Senator receives a staggering N31 million Naira monthly while a civil servant struggles to make ends meet with a mere seventy thousand Naira (N70,000), is not only inequitable but also unacceptable.

“It is grossly unjust when those who work for 365 days cannot make ends meet while politicians who barely work for half the year continue to fatten on public resources.

“Addressing the implications of the current trend towards a one-party system is imperative. Safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic framework requires a commitment to political diversity, robust opposition, and the protection of citizens’ rights to participate in the political process.

“Failure to do so could jeopardize the very foundations of democracy in the country, leading to a future where political power is concentrated in the hands of a few and the voices of the many are silenced.

“We call upon the government to implement substantial judicial and police reforms to root out corrupt individuals undermining these vital institutions’ integrity.

“The place of justice in a thriving democracy and the linkages between justice and a functional, independent, and trusted judicial system cannot be overemphasized.

“Furthermore, a comprehensive overhaul of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is essential to safeguard our fledgling democracy and the nation from the threat of violent conflict.

“Moreover, we call on civil society organizations to unite in solidarity to confront the misconduct and excesses of political officeholders.

“The challenges that lie ahead may be critical, and it is imperative that we do not allow impunity to take root. Today, Dele Farotimi may be facing the consequences of political excess; tomorrow, it could be any one of us.

“As we move into 2025 in a few hours, we wish you warmth, joy, and unforgettable moments, whether spent with family or friends or enjoying a well-deserved break for yourself.”