By Ishola Balogun
The Network for Democracy and Development (NDD), a multi-stakeholder national civil society organisation, has condemned the recent upsurge in insecurity across the country.
In a statement signed by the National Coordinator, Mr Tajudeen Alabede and the General secretary, Muhammad Jameel Muhammad, the group said:
“The suicide bombing in Borno State as well as the killing of innocent citizens by criminal elements in Benue and Plateau States a few days ago, among others, constitute a further strain on the polity that is already beset by protracted challenges of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, sundry killings by the so-called unknown gunmen, communal crises, and widespread vandalism of economic infrastructure in different parts of the country.
“While we commend the recent renewed vigour demonstrated by the security forces in tackling terrorism in the North East and banditry in the North West, as well as the progress achieved through non-kinetic measures, the gravity of the current state of insecurity points to an urgent need for a genuine and comprehensive overhaul of the extant national strategy to make Nigeria safe again.
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“NDD is further concerned that, in the face of these challenges, Nigeria’s political leaders carry on their partisan activities as if nothing serious is happening around us. This insensitivity and detachment from the unsavory reality is egregious.
“The well-orchestrated scheming towards the 2027 general elections, loud celebrations of cross-carpeting across party lines, and the deafening noise churned out by the well-oiled propaganda machines dwarf the messages of grief and commiseration.
“This gives little hope for a fundamental shift in approach to governance and improvement in the well-being of citizens within the shortest time possible.
The group stated that at a time like this, partisan politics can wait as Nigerians earnestly yearn for good governance, adding that patriotic efforts should be geared at governance, and not by putting up political spectacles to entertain the hapless masses.
“May God grant rest to the dead, heal the wounded, comfort their families and restore peace to our land,” NDD said.