Tinubu To Hold Genuine Dialogue With Citizens Over Nigeria’s Economic Crisis
This call was made in a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani.
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has asked President Bola Tinubu to hold genuine dialogue with citizens to address Nigeria’s current socio-economic and political challenges.
This call was made in a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani.
According to CISLAC, the dialogue is crucial for gaining a deeper understanding of the complex challenges hindering Nigeria’s progress and identifying innovative solutions to address them.
The group voiced concerns about the President’s unfulfilled pledges of genuine discourse, especially with reference to his promise of all-encompassing involvement with Nigerians, including the youth.
CISLAC also pointed out that in spite of these guarantees, no structure for this kind of conversation has been put in place, and there is no set schedule for the talks he mentioned in his Independence Day speech.
The statement reads, “We urge the President to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps toward meaningful dialogue with Nigerians.
“Citizens are seeking immediate relief from the harsh economic and social conditions they face daily under this administration. People are struggling to survive, and they need to see swift and impactful measures that improve their quality of life and security.”
The group also stressed the need to restore Nigeria’s international image, noting that the country’s reputation has significantly declined in recent years.
The organisation highlighted the importance of reestablishing Nigeria’s standing on the global stage, where it once commanded respect during past state visits to major nations like the United States, United Kingdom, and European countries.
The statement reads: “Nigeria’s image requires urgent restoration both nationally and internationally. We used to be a respected nation, but today, we are perceived as a hub for terrorism, corruption, and mismanagement of public resources.
“The government’s failure to effectively combat terrorism, rescue women and children from captivity, and tackle systemic corruption and impunity has eroded the respect we once held.”
CISLAC urged the President to take a more serious approach to governance, emphasising that the country’s challenges—ranging from insecurity and poverty to economic instability, dysfunctional institutions, and democratic setbacks—require immediate and comprehensive solutions.
“The Nigerian people deserve leadership that is responsive, accountable, and capable of delivering development and prosperity. As we celebrate 64 years of independence, let us work together to restore our nation’s dignity, both at home and abroad,” Rafsanjani added.
