NGO Threatens Legal Action Against Fed Govt, Others Over Insecurity

Founder of a non-governmental organisation, Take the Bull by the Horns, Mr Manuel Oyeoka, has threatened to institute legal proceedings against the federal government, the British government and the Sultanate Council of Sokoto over the worsening insecurity in Nigeria.

Oyeoka, popularly known as Moyeoka, disclosed this yesterday during a media briefing in Abuja, where he lamented the growing wave of attacks and violence across the country.

He described the security situation as “terrible, horrible and mind-blowing”, warning that he would seek legal redress both locally and internationally if urgent steps were not taken to tackle the crisis.

According to him, the institutions he intends to drag before the courts must explain their roles and responsibilities regarding the persistent insecurity confronting Nigerians.

The activist accused the Federal Government of failing to demonstrate sufficient transparency and commitment in addressing the challenge, insisting that the primary duty of government was the protection of lives and property.

He also questioned the role of the British Government, arguing that, as Nigeria’s former colonial power, the United Kingdom should do more to support efforts to end insecurity in the country.

Oyeoka said Britain possessed the technology, expertise, and resources to assist Nigeria in confronting the nation’s security challenges.

He further called out the Sultanate Council of Sokoto, urging it to take stronger measures to address insecurity, particularly given that some of the earliest security concerns emerged from parts of Northern Nigeria.

Explaining the rationale behind the proposed legal action, he said the move was intended to compel the affected institutions to acknowledge their responsibilities and contribute meaningfully towards restoring peace and security.

On the proposed State Police Bill currently before the National Assembly, Oyeoka expressed doubts that state policing alone would provide a lasting solution to the country’s security woes.

He argued that Nigeria’s security crisis extended beyond policing structures, alleging that poor governance, lack of accountability and the sponsorship of criminal activities were among the deeper issues fuelling insecurity.

The NGO founder urged Nigerians to cooperate with security agencies by remaining vigilant and promptly reporting suspicious activities within their communities.

He maintained that while citizens had a role to play, the government must take the lead by demonstrating greater commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has repeatedly described insecurity as the enemy of development and a top priority for his administration.

The President has announced a nationwide security emergency, approved large-scale recruitment into security agencies and ordered the deployment of forest guards across the country.

Tinubu has also assured Nigerians that his administration will not relent until peace is restored, while alleging that some hostile forces are exploiting the security situation to undermine his government.