Civil Society Organizations Accuse FG of Neglecting Constitutional Duty to Protect Citizens

A coalition comprising 48 civil society organizations in Nigeria has urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency due to the country’s escalating security challenges. The call was made during a world press conference held in Abuja, where the coalition expressed deep concerns about the worsening security situation and called for urgent government intervention. During the press conference, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Musa, speaking on behalf of the organizations, highlighted the rising insecurity across Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

He emphasized the need for immediate action to end the pervasive insecurity, combat kidnap syndicates and terrorist groups, and account for missing persons resulting from these attacks. Musa pointed out various forms of insecurity plaguing the nation, ranging from terrorist activities in the northern region to banditry in the North-west, farmer-herder conflicts in the Middle Belt, secessionist movements in the South-east, piracy in the southern coast, and other acts of violence and kidnapping.

He noted that these security challenges have not only endangered the lives of Nigerians but have also worsened over the years. The coalition expressed disappointment in the government’s failure to address the security crisis, citing data showing a significant number of fatalities and abductions during President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term in office.

They also raised concerns about the upsurge in abductions, particularly within the first two weeks of January 2024, and criticized the government’s inability to curb this alarming trend. In response to the situation, the coalition called on President Tinubu to take urgent measures, including declaring a state of emergency on kidnapping and other forms of terrorism, enhancing the country’s security infrastructure, prosecuting sponsors of terrorism, and addressing the underlying factors contributing to insecurity.

They also emphasized the need for citizen engagement in combating insecurity and urged the government to prioritize the safety and well-being of all citizens as mandated by the constitution. In closing, the coalition observed a minute of silence in honour of those who lost their lives due to insecurity and reiterated their commitment to holding the government accountable for addressing the security challenges facing Nigeria.

Premium Times