Nigerians Demand Results, Not Condolences and Excuses from Tinubu Government — CEFSAN!
Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan, Editor-in-Chief | Journalist at Sele Media Africa
ABUJA, Nigeria — The Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement (CEFSAN) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to deliver measurable results to Nigerians, asserting that citizens are tired of repeated condolences and official explanations for worsening economic hardship, insecurity, and governance failures. The organization’s statement, released on Thursday, June 5, 2026, reflects a growing frustration across the country as families struggle with rising costs, unemployment, and a persistent lack of basic services. CEFSAN urged government officials to shift from rhetoric to action, demanding accountability, effective service delivery, and sustainable reforms.
A Nation Weary of Words
For millions of Nigerians, the gap between government promises and daily reality has become unbearable. In Lagos, market trader Amina Yusuf, 42, told Sele Media Africa that she has lost hope in official statements. “Every time the president speaks, it is condolences for something — a flood, a bombing, a price hike. We do not need more condolences. We need food on our tables and safety on our streets,” she said. Her sentiment echoes across the country, from the bustling markets of Kano to the oil-rich creeks of the Niger Delta.
CEFSAN’s executive director, Dr. Chidi Okafor, emphasized that the administration’s frequent issuance of condolence messages and explanatory press releases no longer resonates with a populace facing existential challenges. “Nigerians are not asking for sympathy. They are asking for competence. They want to see roads that are passable, hospitals that have drugs, and schools that have teachers. These are not luxuries; they are basic rights,” Okafor stated.
Economic Hardship Deepens
The economic situation remains the most pressing concern. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, inflation stood at 33.2 percent in April 2026, with food inflation exceeding 40 percent. The removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023, while intended to free up resources for development, has instead triggered a cost-of-living crisis that has pushed millions into poverty.
In Kano, father of five Musa Idris, 38, described his daily struggle. “I used to feed my family with 2,000 naira a day. Now, the same amount barely buys bread and water. My children have stopped going to school because I cannot afford their fees or uniforms. The government talks about reforms, but reforms do not fill empty stomachs,” he said.
CEFSAN noted that while some macroeconomic indicators, such as foreign reserves and stock market performance, have improved, these gains have not translated into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens. “The economy is growing on paper, but people are dying of hunger in reality. That is the tragedy of this administration,” Okafor added.
Insecurity and Governance Failures
Beyond the economy, insecurity continues to plague the nation. Banditry, kidnapping, and separatist violence have displaced hundreds of thousands, particularly in the North-West and South-East regions. The Nigerian military has achieved some tactical successes, including the arrest of several high-profile bandit leaders, but the overall security situation remains precarious.
In Zamfara State, widow Hadiza Bello, 54, lost her husband to bandits in 2024 and her only son to a kidnapping incident in March 2026. “The government sends soldiers, but the attacks continue. They send condolences, but my family is gone. I do not want words. I want my son back, or I want justice. Neither has come,” she said.
CEFSAN criticized the government’s security approach as reactive rather than preventive. “We are tired of hearing about ‘ongoing operations’ and ‘renewed efforts.’ Nigerians want to see communities that are safe to farm, children who can walk to school without fear, and families that can sleep without the sound of gunfire,” Okafor stated.
Pan-African Implications
Nigeria’s governance crisis carries significant implications for the African continent. As Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, Nigeria’s stability is critical to regional security, trade, and migration patterns. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has repeatedly expressed concern about Nigeria’s security situation, which fuels instability across the Sahel region.
Dr. Amina Sow, a political analyst at the Institute for Security Studies in Dakar, Senegal, explained: “When Nigeria falters, the entire West African region feels it. Arms flow across borders, refugees move into neighboring countries, and economic shocks ripple through the CFA franc zone. A stable Nigeria is not just a Nigerian interest; it is a Pan-African necessity.”
CEFSAN’s call for accountability aligns with broader continental demands for good governance. Across Africa, from Kenya to Ghana, citizens are increasingly holding their governments to higher standards of transparency and performance. “The Nigerian example is being watched. If the Tinubu administration fails to deliver, it will embolden authoritarian tendencies elsewhere. But if it succeeds, it will provide a model for responsive governance across Africa,” Sow added.
Reactions and Institutional Response
The Presidency has not issued an official response to CEFSAN’s statement as of press time. However, information minister Mohammed Idris recently defended the administration’s record, stating that “the government is working tirelessly to address the challenges inherited from previous administrations. Reforms take time, but the direction is clear.”
Civil society organizations have rallied behind CEFSAN’s position. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) called for a national dialogue on governance performance, while the Trade Union Congress (TUC) demanded an immediate review of economic policies that have disproportionately affected workers.
“We support CEFSAN’s call because it reflects what we hear from our members every day. Workers are struggling. They cannot afford transportation to their jobs, and their salaries have been eroded by inflation. The government must act now, not tomorrow,” said TUC President Festus Osifo.
What Happens Next
CEFSAN has announced plans to launch a nationwide campaign titled “Results Over Rhetoric” in July 2026, aimed at mobilizing citizens to demand accountability from elected officials. The campaign will include town hall meetings, social media advocacy, and legal actions where necessary.
“We are not a political party. We are not an opposition group. We are citizens exercising our right to demand good governance. If the government does not listen, we will escalate,” Okafor warned.
For ordinary Nigerians like Amina Yusuf and Musa Idris, the message is simple: “We have waited long enough. Show us the results, or step aside.”
Sources: Punch Newspapers, Vanguard, Daily Trust, The Guardian Nigeria, National Bureau of Statistics, Institute for Security Studies.
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