Nigerian civil society groups call on President Tinubu to declare state of emergency on security
A coalition comprising 48 civil society organizations in Nigeria has urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency regarding the current security crisis in the nation.
This appeal was made during a world press conference held on Monday in Abuja.
Auwal Musa, also known as Rafsanjani, speaking on behalf of the organizations, emphasized their deep concern over the escalating insecurity nationwide and called for urgent government action to address it.
He stated, “Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria… are deeply concerned by the deteriorating state of security across Nigeria… and therefore call on the Nigerian government to take actionable steps to end the endemic insecurity.”
Musa highlighted various forms of violence contributing to the insecurity, including terrorism, banditry, farmer-herder conflicts, secessionist movements, piracy, political violence, cult-gang activity, and kidnapping.
He noted that these security challenges have worsened over the years and persisted across multiple administrations, including President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure.
Providing statistics, Musa pointed out that during President Tinubu’s second term in office, approximately 24,316 Nigerians lost their lives, and about 15,597 individuals were abducted.
He further noted that from May 2023 to January 26, 2024, at least 2,423 people were killed in mass atrocities-related incidents, with about 1,872 persons abducted.
Despite President Tinubu’s assurances to address insecurity, Musa emphasized a concerning surge in abductions, particularly within the first two weeks of January 2024.
He criticized the government’s failure to fulfill its constitutional duty of ensuring citizens’ security and welfare.
Musa called on President Tinubu to undertake urgent measures to address insecurity, including fulfilling the constitutional mandate to safeguard lives and declaring a state of emergency on kidnapping and terrorism.
He emphasized the need for collective efforts from all organizations, media, and individuals to combat the crisis.
Lois Auta, Executive Director of Leedar Seed, highlighted the disproportionate impact of insecurity on persons with disabilities, emphasizing their vulnerability in emergencies.
Members of the civil society organizations observed a minute of silence to honor those who lost their lives due to the security challenges facing the country.
Source-PremiumTimes
