War Against Terror: CSOs Allege Sabotage
Rising from a one day interactive session to discuss the prevailing
security situation in the country, over 500 Civil Society Organisations
have accused politicians of intentionally sabotaging the present
administration’s efforts at curbing terrorism in the nation.
At the session which held at the Oasis Grand Hotel, Abuja, the Civil
Societies accused stakeholders from Borno of sending conflicting signals
as to how receptive and prepared they are for a post Boko Haram phase.
According to them there does not appear to be any zeal on the part of
some of the stakeholders in Borno to see the years of insurgency and
terrorism come to an end as there is on the national level.
They avered that there is deliberate effort to prevent Boko Haram from
being dealt a final blow. Stating further that if this is allowed to
continue there is the risk of the terror group being able to rebuild its
capacity to again constitute a threat not just to Nigeria but the
entire sub-region.
" There are appointed and political office holders that are exploiting
the situation to further their own agenda to the detriment of national
interest and collective security of all Nigerians. There is implication
for these Boko Haram sponsors to further ingratiate themselves to the
government of the day and we will have a repeat of what transpired under
the past administration again where terrorism became a full-fledged
business". They stated.
The Coalition of Civil Societies which comprised of 13 Non-Governmental
Organisations also acknowledged that there are other emerging security
breaches that necessitate a rapid progression to the next logical phase
of military operation in Borno State like the resurgence of militancy in
the Niger Delta that would require military efforts and resources to
counter and that the military cannot be indefinitely bogged down in the
North-East on the current scale.
The Participants however, commended the Nigerian Military for ending
the activities of insurgents in the North East with particular mention
of the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff
and Chief of Naval Staff for their efforts in ensuring restoration of
security while acting within the confines of human rights rules and
regulations.
Suggesting that the inquiry should investigate the roles played by
politicians, foreign influence(s) towards finding a lasting solution to
the problems militating against the region and put an end to militancy,
while adding that the government on its part should ensure that
resources committed into the development of the region are not embezzled
by the so called leaders from this region.
Post a Comment