A coalition of civil society organizations has called on Nigerians to unite against insecurity and terrorism, urging citizens to support the nation’s security agencies in the collective effort to build a safe, peaceful, and prosperous country.
The Coalition’s Director of Programmes, Johnson Michael, gave the charge during a press briefing held in Abuja, where he stressed that national security should not be politicized, saying the fight against insecurity requires the cooperation of all Nigerians.
According to him, the country’s security agencies remain the backbone of Nigeria’s democracy and sovereignty, while commending President Bola Tinubu and the military leadership for efforts aimed at strengthening the nation’s security architecture.
“We stand here today with one voice and one purpose because Nigeria belongs to all of us, and no single individual has the right to hold our peace to ransom or undermine our sovereignty in the name of activism,” Michael said.
He applauded President Tinubu and the Chief of Army Staff for expanding the military and improving the welfare of personnel, describing the measures as significant investments in national security.
“Our gallant military and security agencies have been firm pillars for our democracy and sovereignty. Every soldier who stands at the border and every officer who patrols our streets deserves our respect, not our suspicion,” he stated.
Michael maintained that the Federal Government was making progress in addressing insecurity and cautioned against turning security challenges into political tools, insisting that the lives of Nigerians should remain the overriding priority.
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“Mr. President is working tirelessly to end insecurity, and Nigeria is winning the war against insecurity. Stop the politicization of insecurity. This is not a game for cheap popularity because lives are at stake,” he said.
He therefore urged Nigerians to rally behind the government and security agencies, saying national unity remained essential to overcoming terrorism, banditry, and other security threats confronting the country.
“Nigerians must unite against insecurity, together for a safe, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria. Progress is happening, and we will not allow anyone to derail it with theatrics dressed up as activism,” he added.
The Coalition also called on Mr. President, the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the heads of Intelligence Agencies, the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, and the National Security Adviser (NSA) to ensure that anyone accused of undermining national security is subjected to due legal process.
Specifically, the Group called for the arrest and prosecution of activist Omoyele Sowore over allegations of undermining national security, arguing that no Nigerian should be considered above the law.
Michael also warned against staging protests capable of disrupting court proceedings, while affirming the Coalition’s readiness to organize only peaceful and lawful demonstrations in support of the rule of law.
Reiterating its appeal, the Coalition urged Nigerians to close ranks in defence of the country, insisting that defeating insecurity and preserving national unity require collective responsibility.