CSOs, Students Task Federal Govt, States On United Action Against Terrorism

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs), students and other concerned groups have experience concerns that the lingering security crisis was posing serious threat to the corporate existence of Nigeria.

The coalition members, who marched on the streets of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital over the weekend, converged on Government House Road (Wellington Bassey Way) by the Water Fountain, where they expressed anger over what they described as untamed and wanton attacks, kidnapping and killing of innocent Nigerians including children in the ongoing terror war.

It, therefore, urged the federal, states and local governments to synergise with other patriotic citizens in a holistic action to confront the terror regime festering across the country.

Working with key stakeholders including the Akwa Ibom Human Rights Community (AHRC); Vital Partners (VI) and dozens other CSOs, the principal partner – Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), said the open demonstration became necessary in order to add more voices for the authorities to reinforce stronger actions to end the terror war in Nigeria.

Addressing the forum; #AkwaIbomUniteAgainstTerror, the Director of CHRAN, Otuekong Franklyn Isong,  appealed to concerned Nigerians to be in the vanguard of advocacies and campaigns against insurgency and terrorism hitting hard on the foundation of Nigeria and the people.

Otuekong Isong, who regretted that terror had over the years destroyed, people, homes and societies, described such evils and their perpetrators as common enemies to everyone “as , they are blind to religion, tribe or social standing.”

He said: “Terror is a common enemy to all Nigerians, it does not know religion or tribe, so as CSOs, we are uniting against terrorism. If you see something, say something. Collaborate with the security agencies to fight terror. If you fail to report terror, when it takes place, it will affect you too.”

Also speaking, Clifford Thomas,  Convener of Akwa Ibom Human Rights Community, charged the people to look inwardly and devise a local means to fight terror, urging them not to wait to be slaughtered by terrorists.

Drawing reference from the incidents in Bayelsa and Abia states where the community youths overpowered and neutralized their assailants with their local means, Barr Clifford, urged Nigerians to use any strategy to protect themselves and their people.

He reminded them that “self defense is your fundamental right as stipulated in section 33 sub section 2 of the 1999 constitution as amended,” urging them to take advantage of that provision when faced with terror, even as he called for quick implementation of the State Police, noting that such would curb insecurity to the barest minimum.

“We are all victims to terror, no one is spared. Communities must take action and report to appropriate quarters and when something is not done, look inwardly, look internally to protect your mothers, your fathers, your children and your brothers and sisters. Don’t wait for the enemy to slaughter you but that does not mean you should execute violence.

“Secondly, let all commissioners of Police return to their region. When you send an Akwa Ibom Son to the state as a commissioner of police, we know him very well and how to handle him if anything goes wrong. Besides he will want to serve his people better,” he stressed.

Other’ leaders who took turn to speak including Dr Victor David of Vital Partners, pointed out that “the fight against  against insecurity is not the responsibility of the government alone, but requires the collective commitment of all citizens.”

David, therefore, charged Nigerians not to allow insecurity destroy their unity, determine their future or silence the young and growing democracy.

“We demand a Nigeria where every citizen can travel safely, farm safely, work safely, worship safely, and vote safely.” he stressed.