Nigeria At 65: Independence Without Security Is Meaningless – Adeyanju

Posted by Thandiubani on Wed 01st Oct, 2025 - tori.ng

Adeyanju lamented that frequent attacks by ‘unknown gunmen’ and widespread insecurity have left citizens unsafe in their homes.

Human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju has lamented that at 65, democracy is almost non-existent at the subnational levels.

He stated this on Nigeria's 65th independence celebration day which is holding today.

He lamented that the country has made little or no progress in security the lives and property of citizens.

“Independence means nothing without security. Nigeria must urgently strengthen its internal and territorial security so that citizens can feel safe in their homes, on their roads, and within their communities. Every other day we hear of ‘unknown gunmen’ unleashing terror across the nation. This cannot continue,” he said.

The activist stressed that beyond insecurity, Nigeria’s democracy has failed to take root outside the Federal Capital Territory.

According to him, state governors wield excessive powers with little accountability, reducing democracy to a federal concept that barely exists at the grassroots.

“Today, democracy in Nigeria seems to exist only in Abuja; it is almost non-existent at the subnational levels. Our governors wield excessive power with little to no accountability, and they are shielded from scrutiny even as their salaries and allowances continue to rise,” Adeyanju stated.

He also faulted the refusal of state governors to obey the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy, calling it a dangerous trend of disregard for the rule of law.

Adeyanju extended his criticism to the federal government, accusing President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet of underperformance.

He alleged that only about four ministers are visible and actively working, while others have become “ghost ministers.”

“True democracy must be rooted in accountability at every level, not just in the Federal Capital Territory. Only about four of our ministers are visible and working; the rest are missing in action and are only ministers by portfolio. A country of Nigeria’s magnitude and challenges cannot afford ghost ministers,” he said.

The rights lawyer maintained that Nigeria at 65 still lacks progress in key areas such as accountability, security, and governance.

“Independence Day, to me, should not just be a date on the calendar. It should be an ongoing work of building a nation where democracy, accountability, and security are real for every Nigerian, not just a privileged few,” Adeyanju concluded.