The South-West Civil Society Security Forum today called on the Nigerian Government to guarantee the safety and rights of Chief Sunday Igboho to a fair hearing within the context of the rule of law mantra of the administration while calling on civil society organisations in Nigeria and Benin to ensure that fundamental rights and principles associated with his rights are protected by both the Nigerian and Beninois Government in line with ECOWAS protocols.
Following their second virtual meeting to review the security situation across the South-West, the Forum appealed to the President and security agencies to guarantee the safety of all citizens across the country. The Forum took notice of the Gestapo-like attack by men of the customs service in an unmarked vehicle unleashing mayhem on the already tensed town of Igangan killing an Amotekun official in the process; the attack on the Soka residence of Chief Sunday Igboho and various unreported kidnappings in the region.
The Forum while commiserating with the Government and good people of Oyo State on the death of the Amotekun Commander called for more synergy on the part of security agencies and respect for the rule of law in the engagements within the region and elsewhere.
In particular, the President and other political leaders from Governors, State and National Assembly members to opposition political parties should commit to addressing issues of injustice and inequality that is prevalent across several Nigerian communities and immediately develop a national response plan to managing the country’s challenges.
The Forum is worried about the recent directive by the National Broadcasting Commission to the Media on security reportage. This act has the potential of gaging the media and stifling free press.
Oyebisi, B. Oluseyi, Chair of the Forum and Steering Committee Member of the Civil Society Pillar of the Community of Democracy said:
“We recognise the right of citizens to peaceful protest and non-violent agitations in their rights to self-determination and are concerned by the turn of events in the last few months and days. These are already difficult moments for our country as it navigates the triple crisis affecting health, economy, and society. The failure of government at all levels to seize the moment in addressing citizens concerns and respect for their human rights will not only harm our efforts to build back from the COVID-19 pandemic and to set our country back on the path to prosperity but will make it even harder to attain a peaceful co-existence”.
The Forum warned that the level of poverty, insecurity, injustice, inequality, and discrimination witnessed by citizens daily is now at an alarming rate requiring immediate action on the part of traditional rulers, private sector, civil society, citizens, and government. The growing concerns raised by citizens offers an invaluable insight into the issues affecting the nation offering the Nigerian government (Federal, State and Local) the opportunity to make it their political and policy priority throughout the life of this administration.
