Auwal Musa Rafsanjani: The Unwavering Champion of Justice, By Abdullahi Alhassan

By Abdullahi Alhassan

In Nigeria’s quest for justice and equality, one name shines brightly: Auwal Musa Rafsanjani. Born in Kano, Rafsanjani’s activism journey began with inspiration from the late Aminu Kano, a prominent figure advocating for the downtrodden.

Rafsanjani’s activism roots date back to his university days at Bayero University Kano, where he studied Political Science and became involved in the Student Movement. He was elected Assistant-General Secretary of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in 1992, laying the foundation for a lifetime of advocacy and activism.

A Legacy of Advocacy and Activism

In 2005, Rafsanjani founded the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), a non-profit organization promoting democratic governance through legislative advocacy. Under his leadership, CISLAC has become a leading voice in Nigeria’s civil society, engaging in policy reforms and human rights advocacy.

Rafsanjani’s leadership roles extend beyond CISLAC. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Amnesty International Nigeria and was elected head of the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) in 2021, underscoring his commitment to electoral integrity and human rights in Nigeria.

A Life of Purpose and Conviction

Despite facing numerous challenges, including arrests and intimidation, Rafsanjani remains steadfast in his pursuit of a just society. His personal life reflects his dedication to family alongside his activism. As a public commentator, Rafsanjani has appeared on international media platforms such as Al-Jazeera, CNN, and BBC.

Notable Milestones and Achievements

Under Rafsanjani’s leadership, CISLAC has achieved several notable milestones, including:

– Legislative Advocacy: CISLAC played a crucial role in adopting the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) and the Public Procurement Law, enhancing transparency and accountability in Nigeria.

– Electoral Reforms: The organization has advocated for amendments to the Electoral Act, ensuring more transparent and credible elections.

– Anti-Corruption Efforts: CISLAC has advocated for anti-corruption policies, including the full implementation of the Proceeds of Crime Act and the Whistleblower Protection Bill.

– Global Partnerships: CISLAC collaborates with international bodies like Transparency International and the United Nations Development Programme to combat illicit financial flows and promote good governance.

Rafsanjani’s legacy is one of unwavering commitment to social justice and democracy, inspiring a new generation of activists and leaders in Nigeria and beyond.

Abdullahi Alhassan, is a Journalist, Translator, interpreter, Transcriber, Mobilizer, Peace Advocate, base in Kaduna state Nigeria .

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abdullahialhassan381@gmail.com