By Babangida KAKAKI, KADUNA
The Ahlul Bayt Nigeria, a Shi'a-based political organization, has called for a reform of law enforcement agencies and the judiciary as a matter of priority. They believe this is the panacea to citizens' rights protection, the entrenchment of the rule of law, and fair treatment for all groups, irrespective of creed, faith, or ideology.
This call was made in a communique signed by Alhaji Isah Muhammad Isah, Chairman of the Kaduna State Chapter of the association, after a one-day annual conference themed "25 Years of Nigeria's Democracy: Challenges and Setbacks," held at the Arewa House Auditorium, Kaduna, recently.
The organization stated that civil society and grassroots organizations should intensify efforts to empower citizens and demand accountability from leaders. They said the need for urgent reforms to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections that reflect the will of Nigerian citizens.
They further called for a new governance model that prioritizes ethics, accountability, and collective national interests based on constitutional laws, to replace the current system.
The organization also called for a national dialogue, which would be a platform for inclusive and sincere discussions among Nigeria's diverse ethnic and religious groups to foster unity and chart a common vision for the nation’s future.
They advocated for youth empowerment, saying the government and private sector should synergize to create employment opportunities for young people through education, skills acquisition programs, and entrepreneurship.
During the conference, the Ahlul Bayt Nigeria, Kaduna State Chapter, reaffirmed its commitment to advocate for peace, inclusive good governance, and the defense of the fundamental and human rights of all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, regional, or religious affiliations.
They will also synergize with other stakeholders to organize similar workshops to disseminate the outcomes of the conference, which comes up as the Third Annual Ahlul-Bayt Nigeria Conference in December 2025, to evaluate its progress and chart a new course of action.
This year's conference, the second annual conference convened by the Ahlul-Bayt Nigeria, Kaduna State Chapter, was held under the distinguished chairmanship of former Federal legislator, Dr. Usman Bugaje. It was attended by a cross-section of stakeholders, including government officials, politicians, civil society organizations, law enforcement agencies, scholars, youths, and concerned citizens, who reflected on Nigeria's democratic journey and charted a path forward.
The proceedings began with opening remarks by Dr. Usman Bugaje, who highlighted the inability of the democratic system to meet citizens' expectations over the past 25 years.
Dr. Bugaje pointed to the rising insecurity, corruption, poverty, and governance failures, asserting that ethical politics rooted in collective interests and values must replace the current dysfunctional democratic framework.
Following the Chairman’s opening remarks, two thought-provoking papers were presented. Barrister Mark Jacob Esq. presented a paper titled "Governance and Accountability: Have We Delivered the Promises of Democracy?" He critically analyzed the gaps between democratic ideals and the harsh realities of governance in Nigeria.
The second paper, titled "Exploring the Major Achievements and Setbacks in Nigeria’s Democratic Journey," was delivered by Professor Usman Muhammed, who provided a comprehensive overview of the nation’s progress and persistent challenges from 1960 to date.
Earlier, Malam Haruna Saeed, former Kebbi State People's Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, delivered a keynote address. He critically examined the failures of Nigeria's democratic system since the transition from military rule in 1999, while emphasizing the need for collective efforts to redefine the country’s governance trajectory.
He urged Nigerians to bring about transformative change in their professional and political lives so that the nation prospers.
The conference deliberations observed peaceful transitions of power and expanded civil liberties compared to the military era; the development of institutional frameworks such as INEC and anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC; and improved global recognition of Nigeria as a leader in the African continent.
It also identified challenges and setbacks, including endemic corruption, electoral fraud, and weak institutions that continue to undermine democratic governance; escalating insecurity, impunity, and disregard for the rule of law, exacerbated by systemic governance failures; deep-seated ethnic and religious divisions that hinder national cohesion; widespread poverty, unemployment, and social inequities, fueled by economic mismanagement and policy inconsistencies; leaders' failures to prioritize the welfare of the citizenry; and the exclusion of marginalized voices occasioned by widespread distrust in the electoral system, which has eroded citizens’ faith in the democratic system.
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