A coalition of civil society organizations has issued a strong warning against attempts to frame Nigeria's security crisis as a religious conflict, emphasizing that the challenges affect all citizens regardless of faith or ethnicity.
Rejecting Divisive Narratives
The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CCSO) declared on Monday that claims portraying insecurity as exclusively targeting Christians represent a false and dangerous narrative. During a comprehensive briefing on Nigeria's security situation, the coalition's convener, Declan Ihekaire, stated that such assertions deliberately aim to inflame religious tensions across the nation.
The insecurity in Nigeria is a national problem affecting all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity, Ihekaire emphasized. He stressed that the security challenges must be addressed holistically without bias or sentiment, calling for unity among Nigerians during this difficult period.
Stand Against Foreign Intervention
The coalition strongly condemned recent remarks by the United States President suggesting possible American military intervention in Nigeria. The CCSO made it clear that foreign military involvement is not the solution to Nigeria's internal security challenges.
The organization pointed to historical examples to support its position, noting that U.S. military intervention in Iraq created long-term instability and devastated civilian populations. Similarly, they highlighted how U.S.-backed military actions in Libya destroyed state institutions and plunged the country into over a decade of chaos.
Support for Government Efforts
The CCSO expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's ability to tackle the country's security challenges. The coalition commended the current administration for increased investments in national security infrastructure and initiatives by the Ministry of Interior.
Notable improvements highlighted by the coalition include:
- Strengthened border protection systems
- Enhanced digital surveillance capabilities
- Increased funding for security infrastructure
The coalition called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts in identifying and apprehending masterminds of insecurity, conducting thorough investigations, and strengthening community-based intelligence systems.
Appeal for National Unity
Reaffirming its commitment to defending national stability and unity, the CCSO rejected attempts to divide the country along religious lines or undermine Nigeria's sovereignty. The coalition urged all Nigerians to remain united and supportive of the government's efforts to address security challenges.
There's no doubt that President Tinubu has had to confront, head-on, a deeply entrenched crisis that has festered for more than a decade, the coalition stated. They described as unfair, misleading, and politically motivated any suggestions that the ongoing killings across the country began recently or result from negligence by the current administration.
The CCSO appealed to Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to relevant authorities, while pledging to continue working with the government and other stakeholders to promote peace, stability, and security across the nation.
