The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has called on President Bola Tinubu to make 2025 a year of transformative governance by prioritizing social equity and addressing Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
Speaking at a press briefing, CHRICED’s Executive Director, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, highlighted the need for a robust strategy to uplift the poor and vulnerable through meaningful reforms and sustainable development. He stressed that empowering the 774 local government areas could serve as a cornerstone for national economic recovery and industrial growth.
Zikirullahi criticized what he described as politically motivated poverty alleviation programs, urging the administration to create structured and transparent social protection systems. “The government must move beyond token gestures and implement policies that genuinely address the root causes of poverty and inequality,” he said.
He also decried the wage disparity between political office holders and civil servants, labeling it as a glaring injustice. Zikirullahi pointed out that while senators reportedly earn N31 million monthly, many civil servants are forced to make ends meet on a meager N70,000.
The CHRICED leader emphasized the need for judicial and police reforms, calling them essential to combating corruption and restoring public trust in institutions. “Justice and accountability are the cornerstones of democracy. The President has a unique opportunity to leave a legacy by reforming these critical sectors,” he noted.
Additionally, he called for an overhaul of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure credible elections and prevent violent conflicts that often arise from electoral disputes.
The activist lamented the government’s failure to decisively tackle insecurity, which he said continues to plague communities nationwide. He called for a renewed commitment to safeguarding lives and property while ensuring that economic policies benefit all Nigerians equally.
“2025 presents an opportunity for the Tinubu administration to prioritize fairness, stability, and progress,” Zikirullahi concluded, urging the government to act decisively in its pursuit of a more equitable and prosperous Nigeria.
