By Bello Hamza, Abuja
A coalition of civil society organizations has issued a stern warning to the Nigerian government, urging it to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past that led to severe human rights violations.
The groups expressed concern over Nigeria’s tarnished international reputation following incidents such as the 2015 Zaria massacre, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
In a statement jointly signed by Comrade Kristopher Allen, Barrister Hasan Bala Esq, PhD, Comrade Godwin Ecoja, Comrade Mabel Bremah, Comrade O. Abdulhakeem, Comrade Halima Bukar, and N.W. Geoffrey Esq, the coalition highlighted the ongoing challenges facing Nigeria, particularly in relation to its ethnic and religious diversity.
“The government must learn from the past and ensure that such tragic events are never repeated. Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity, and we must work together to protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their religious or ethnic background,” said Comrade Allen.
The statement emphasized the importance of ensuring that all religious groups, including Shia Muslims, are allowed to practice their faith peacefully to maintain national stability and harmony.
The coalition outlined several strategies to prevent future crises, including strengthening legal frameworks that guarantee freedom of religion, promoting dialogue and inclusivity, reforming security sector practices, and engaging with communities to foster trust and cooperation.
“Dialogue and inclusivity are key to preventing conflicts and maintaining peace. The government must take proactive steps to engage with all stakeholders and ensure that no group feels marginalized,” added Barr Hasan
The groups also called for public awareness campaigns to reduce prejudices and misconceptions, as well as the establishment of independent bodies to monitor religious freedoms and hold perpetrators of abuses accountable.
“We must educate the public to reduce the ignorance and prejudices that fuel conflicts. An informed society is a peaceful society.”
The statement further highlighted the overstretching of Nigeria’s security institutions due to the ongoing battles against banditry and the Boko Haram insurgency.
The coalition warned that the country cannot afford another uprising due to economic hardship or perceived oppression, citing recent events such as the EndSARS protests and Shia Muslim uprisings.
“Nigeria is already dealing with numerous security challenges,” said Comrade Godwin Ecoja. “Another major crisis could push the country over the edge.”
The coalition also addressed the deep-rooted issues of corruption, nepotism, and political bias within Nigeria’s security institutions, which they said have undermined the effectiveness of these agencies.
“We cannot continue to allow corruption and nepotism to weaken our security forces. The government must prioritize merit-based appointments and ensure accountability.”
In conclusion, the coalition called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize economic development, address the growing issues of banditry and kidnappings in the North West, and critically examine security reports to prevent misinformation and potential bloodshed.
“President Tinubu has a responsibility to ensure that Nigeria moves forward as a united and peaceful nation.By protecting minority rights, promoting dialogue, and reforming security practices, we can achieve a more harmonious and stable society.”
