By Victor Itodo Abuh
THE RESOURCE Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has warned that Nigeria is “hemorrhaging” under the weight of corruption, bad governance, and economic hardship, describing the country at 65 years of independence as a nation “at the brink.”
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Executive Director of CHRICED, Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi, said independence anniversaries have become painful reminders of unfulfilled promises.
“Today, as we mark Nigeria’s independence, we gather to confront a painful truth: Nigeria is hemorrhaging. Independence, which ought to be a time of celebration, is overshadowed by deepening crisis,” Zikirullahi declared.
According to him, Nigeria’s democratic institutions have been compromised by “impunity and gamesmanship,” citing recent clampdowns on opposition parties and media organizations.
The civic group also expressed worry over the judiciary’s declining integrity. Zikirullahi noted that justice in Nigeria is “no longer blind,” but “barricaded behind walls of influence, delay and silence.”
He referenced the Auditor-General’s report which revealed ₦197 billion lost to fraudulent contracts, stressing that courts have failed to hold corrupt actors accountable.
CHRICED also faulted the National Assembly’s plan to create 31 new states, raising the total to 67, describing it as a “dangerous diversion” amid hyperinflation, unemployment and insecurity. However, the organization called for Abuja to be recognized as Nigeria’s 37th state to restore dignity and rights to its indigenous peoples.
On the economy, the group painted a grim picture of inflation at 20.4% as of August 2025, exchange rate at ₦1,501.45 to the dollar, and monetary policy rate at 27.5%, with over 130 million Nigerians trapped in multidimensional poverty and youth unemployment above 40%.
“These numbers reflect a country in economic freefall. While citizens suffer, corruption flourishes in high places,” the CHRICED boss lamented.
The group further cited recent media reports linking Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and his spouse, Justice Eberechi Suzette Nyesom-Wike of the Court of Appeal, to alleged financial misconduct, including ownership of three luxury properties in Florida valued at over $6 million and diversion of $300 million meant for the Ogoni clean-up.
Despite these allegations, Zikirullahi said the Tinubu administration and anti-corruption agencies “have remained conspicuously silent.”
CHRICED also listed other systemic failures, including phantom projects, ghost workers, public debt now exceeding ₦90 trillion and “luxury governance” by the political elite who, it said, flaunt wealth while citizens are asked to “sacrifice.”
“Fuel subsidies are gone, electricity tariffs have tripled, and new levies are introduced monthly — without infrastructure, safety nets, or accountability,” Zikirullahi stated.
The organization concluded by urging government to take urgent corrective action, warning that if impunity and corruption persist, Nigeria risks sliding further into instability.
